Trailer hitching aid system for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle having a hitching ball for connecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer includes a camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view that encompasses the hitching ball of the vehicle. The system also includes a plurality of distance measuring sensors disposed at the vehicle. A display screen is disposed in the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. A control receives input from the camera and input from the distance measuring sensors. During a tow hitching maneuver, the display screen displays video images captured by the camera, and at least one graphic overlay is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball of the vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/181,778, filed Feb. 17, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,623, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/309,915, filed Dec.2, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,653,959, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/609,329, filed Oct. 30, 2009, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,072,318, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/061,372, filed Apr. 2, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,619,508,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/043,567,filed Mar. 6, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,403, which is a division ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/623,997, filed Jan. 17, 2007, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,344,284, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/054,633, filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,195,381, which claims priority from and incorporates by referenceherein in their entireties U.S. provisional applications, Ser. No.60/346,733, filed Jan. 7, 2002; Ser. No. 60/263,680, filed Jan. 23,2001; Ser. No. 60/271,466, filed Feb. 26, 2001; and Ser. No. 60/315,384,filed Aug. 28, 2001, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/054,633 isa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002,filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automotive lighting, more specificallyto lighted mirrors for a vehicle, such as an automobile, sports utilityvehicle, truck or similar road transportation vehicle. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a lighting system thatincorporates at least one non-incandescent light source, such as a lightemitting diode (LED) light source, including a high intensity LED lightsource, and especially to a vehicular lighting system for a vehicularaccessory such as a lighted interior mirror assembly, a lighted exteriormirror assembly, and a lighted accessory module.

Mirror manufacturers have developed a wide variety of incandescent-basedlighting products for use in mirrors. Typically, prior art lightedmirror assemblies that use incandescent lighting have a mirror case, amirror reflector, and wiring that carries circuitry for powering thevarious components in the mirror assembly, including the incandescentlight source, which typically comprises a filament light bulb. In someapplications, a lighted mirror assembly may incorporate a carrier, suchas disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,698 and 6,124,886, which arecommonly assigned, the entire disclosures of which are hereinincorporated by reference. The carrier provides a mounting surface forvarious electrical/electronic devices housed in the mirror assembly,including a circuit for an incandescent light source or other lightsources. The mirror assembly also typically includes a reflector elementand a lens, which are configured to direct the light from theincandescent light source in a desired light pattern. In addition, most,if not all of these mirror assemblies, incorporate a way to service theincandescent light source. For example, these incandescent light sourcesare typically mounted in a socket, such as screw type sockets, a wedgetype socket, a cartridge type socket (which typically includes twospaced apart clips), a bayonet type socket, a bi-pin socket, or thelike, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,448; 5,649,756;5,673,994; 5,813,745 and 6,042,253, the entire disclosures of which areincorporated by reference herein, which permits the bulb or lamp to beretrieved for replacement. When the incandescent light source is pluggedinto its respective connector, it is normally connected to a switchedline which when thrown, directs current from the ignition line/batteryof the vehicle to the light source.

However more recently, non-incandescent light sources, such as lightemitting diodes (LEDs), have been incorporated into mirror assemblies,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,659 and 5,671,996, which arecommonly assigned and U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,590, which are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. Other examples of the use of LEDsin vehicular interior and exterior mirror assemblies are disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,149,287;6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,868,116; 5,497,306; 6,132,072;5,803,579; 5,671,996 and 5,497,305; International Publication Nos. WO2000/055914 and WO 2000/055685; and European Pat. Application EP917734,and of the use of LEDs as warning lights such as in taillights aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,035; 6,286,984; 6,102,559; 6,276,822;5,975,715 and 5,765,940, all of which patents and patent applicationsare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

LEDs are desirable in certain applications since they typically produceless heat than incandescent light sources and are more compact. Inaddition, LEDs produce directional light. As a result, the light fromthe LEDs can be directed or manipulated by merely selective positioningor orienting of the LEDs. Hence, the various optical devices associatedwith incandescent light sources, such as reflectors and optical lenses,can be optionally simplified and even eliminated, saving material costsand assembly time.

However, most vehicular battery/ignition systems operate at around 12volts nominal (although ignition voltages can vary from about 9 volts toabout 16 volts during vehicular use) whereas most LED units typicallyoperate at a lower voltage; typically less than about 5 volts (and in oraround 1.5 volts to 2.5 volts being common). Because of the differentcircuit requirements for LEDs, LED applications typically requirespecialized tooling of the mirror assemblies. Some manufacturers areslower to retool existing incandescent lighted mirror assembles toaccommodate LEDs and, as a result, have and will continue to have alarge inventory of mirror assemblies that are tooled for incandescentlight sources. Other manufactures may have already retooled their mirrorassemblies as hybrid mirror assemblies that have some LED applications,such as console lighting, while other lights in the mirror assembliesremain as incandescent based light applications, such as map lights. Inwhich case, these mirror assemblies may have one circuit for the LEDapplication and another circuit for the incandescent light application.

Heretofore, therefore, lighted mirror assemblies have requiredapplication-specific circuitry to power the light sources because of thedifferent current and voltage needs of these various light sources(incandescent or LED). When mirror assemblies are tooled forincandescent light sources, these mirror assemblies have heretofore beenlimited to using incandescent-light-source replacements for theincandescent light sources. Therefore, mirror manufacturers that havetheir current production of mirror assemblies tooled for incandescentlight source applications have not been able to take full advantage ofthe recent developments in the use of non-incandescent light sources.

Also, LED reading/map lights used in lighted interior mirror assemblies,and in turn-signal and security-lighted exterior mirror assemblies,often use a plurality of LEDs in order to provide the desired lightintensity across the zone desired illuminated.

Consequently, there is need for an improved non-incandescent lightingsystem, including a way to incorporate a non-incandescent light sourcein a mirror assembly that has been tooled to receive an incandescentlight source.

Use of a non-incandescent LED light source as a source of illuminationin a vehicle such as in a lighted interior or a lighted exterior mirrorassembly is known, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069;6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229;5,938,321; 5,868,116; 5,497,306; 6,132,072; 5,803,579; 5,671,996 and5,497,305; International Publication Nos. WO 2000/055914 and WO2000/055685; and European Pat. Application EP917734, all of whichpatents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference. Such LED-lighted interior and exterior mirror systems workwell for their intended purpose. However, most vehicularbattery/ignition systems operate at around 12 volts nominal (althoughignition voltages can vary from about 9 volts to about 16 volts duringvehicular use) whereas most LED units typically operate at a lowervoltage; typically less than about 5 volts (and in or around 1.5 voltsto 2.5 volts being common). Also, LED reading/map lights used in lightedinterior mirror assemblies, and in turn-signal and security-lightedexterior mirror assemblies, often use a plurality of LEDs in order toprovide the desired light intensity across the zone desired illuminated.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved LED lighting system such asan improved LED lighted mirror system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides for a non-incandescent lightunit/module that can be used as a direct replacement for an incandescentlight source in a mirror assembly that has been tooled for theincandescent light source.

In one form of the invention, a non-incandescent light source unitincludes a non-incandescent light source assembly with at least onenon-incandescent light source and a non-incandescent light sourcecircuit. The non-incandescent light source circuit is electricallycoupled to the non-incandescent light source and includes a pair ofelectrical connectors for connecting the non-incandescent light sourcecircuit to a light source circuit of a mirror assembly. Thenon-incandescent light source assembly is adapted to releasablyestablish mechanical connection and electrical connection with themirror assembly.

In one aspect, the non-incandescent light source circuit includes acurrent limiting element or device, such as a resistor or a non-lightemitting diode, for controlling the current flowing to thenon-incandescent light source. In other aspects, the non-incandescentlight source preferably comprises a light emitting diode (although otherlight sources such as fluorescent sources or neon sources orelectroluminescent sources may optionally be used). In a further aspect,the light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. Forexample, the light emitting diodes may be connected wherein their totaladditive forward operating voltage is greater than about 2 volts.Alternately, their total additive forward operating voltage may begreater than about 4 volts or in a range of about 2 to 16 volts. Forvehicles equipped with a 42 volt ignition/battery source, their totaladditive forward operating voltage may be greater than about 16 volts orin a range of about 16 to about 42 volts.

In yet other aspects the light source unit includes at least two lightemitting diodes electrically connected in series. Optionally, the unitmay include at least four emitting diodes connected in series.

In another aspect, the light source unit may include two or more groupsof light emitting diodes electrically connected in parallel.Furthermore, each group of the light emitting diodes may include atleast two light emitting diodes connected in series and, morepreferably, at least three light emitting diodes connected in series.

In yet another aspect, the non-incandescent light source assemblyincludes at least one polarity indicator associated with at least one ofthe connectors. For example, the polarity indicator may comprise eitheran indentation or a projection. In addition, the respective connectormay include the polarity indicator.

In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source circuit furtherincludes a polarity rectifier, such as a diode bridge rectifier, whicheliminates the polarity of the light source module. In this manner, thelight source unit can be plugged in with the connectors in eitherorientation without a need for a polarity indicator.

In another form of the invention, a non-incandescent light source unitincludes a modular package having an electrical component such as aresistor or a non-light emitting diode, preferably on a circuit board,at least one non-incandescent light source, and an interface, preferablyincluding at least one electrical and/or mechanical connector connectingto a non-incandescent light source circuit and/or socket. Thenon-incandescent light source interface/circuit of the non-incandescentlight source unit is electrically connected to the non-incandescentlight source and preferably includes a pair of electrical connectors forconnecting the non-incandescent light source circuit to the light sourcecircuit of the mirror assembly.

In one aspect, the non-incandescent light source of the non-incandescentlight source unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. Forexample, the circuit of the non-incandescent light source unit mayinclude a silicon wafer or similar microelectronic chip element havingthe light emitting diodes established as junctions on the chip surface,as is known in the light emitting diode (LED) art. The chip may includea plurality of individual junctions forming the individual lightemitting diodes. Optionally, the light emitting diodes are enclosed in asurround that functions both as an encapsulant to protect the LEDjunctions from environmental and mechanical damage and as an opticalelement (such as a lens and/or a diffuser) for light emitted by the LEDjunctions on the chip surface.

In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source circuit includes acurrent limiting device, such as at least one resistor, for limiting thecurrent flowing to the non-incandescent light source.

In further aspects, the modular package includes a base, which includesa ground contact and a power contact for electrically coupling to thecircuit of the mirror assembly. The connectors are electrically coupledto the contacts to thereby power the light sources. For example, thebase may comprise a threaded base. In another aspect, the connectorscomprise pins.

In another aspect, the modular package includes an elongated body withthe electrical connectors positioned at opposed ends portions of theelongate body. For example, the connectors may comprise loopedconnectors that project outwardly from the elongate body.

In an alternate aspect, the modular package includes an elongated bodyand includes contacts positioned at opposed ends portions of theelongate body, with the connectors electrically coupled to the contacts.For example, the contacts may comprise frusto-conical shaped contacts.

According to yet another form of the invention, a vehicle mirrorassembly includes a mirror housing having a reflective element and anon-incandescent light source unit. The mirror housing includes a lightsource circuit with a pair of contacts for receiving a light source. Thenon-incandescent light source unit includes at least onenon-incandescent light source and a non-incandescent light sourcecircuit. The non-incandescent light source circuit electrically couplesthe non-incandescent light sources to a pair of electrical connectors,which connect the non-incandescent light source circuit to the contactsof the light source circuit of the mirror housing. The receivingcontacts of the incandescent light source circuit receive thecorresponding contacts of the non-incandescent light source circuit ofthe non-incandescent light source unit preferably to form bothelectrical interconnection and mechanical connection whereby thenon-incandescent light source unit is securely retained, preferablyreleasably retained, in the vehicle mirror assembly.

In one aspect, the non-incandescent light source circuit includes acurrent limiting element or device for controlling the current flowingto the non-incandescent light source.

In another aspect, the non-incandescent light source comprises aplurality of light emitting diodes. In a further aspect, the lightemitting diodes are connected wherein their total additive forwardoperating voltage is greater than about 2 volts.

In yet another aspect, the light emitting diodes are mounted on acircuit board. In a further aspect, the circuit board includes amicroelectronic chip having the light emitting diodes as junctionsthereon. For example, the chip may include a plurality of junctionsforming the light emitting diodes.

According to yet another aspect, the non-incandescent light source unitcomprises a modular package with a non-incandescent light source andnon-incandescent light circuit. The package includes a base, with thebase including a ground contact and a power contact for electricallycoupling to a light source circuit of the vehicle accessory, such as themirror assembly. The electrical connectors of the non-incandescent lightsource circuit are electrically coupled to the contacts. For example,the base may comprise a threaded base. Alternately, the modular packageincludes an elongated body with the electrical connectors positioned atopposed ends portions of the elongate body.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, anon-incandescent light source module is connectable to a power source ofa vehicle and includes a non-incandescent light source, a heatdissipating element or heat sink, and a light directing element. Theheat dissipating element functions to dissipate heat generated by thenon-incandescent light source when the non-incandescent light source isenergized. The light directing element is operable to direct the lightemitted by the non-incandescent light source toward a targeted area at,within, or exteriorly of the vehicle. In one form, the non-incandescentlight source module is suitable for use at an interior rearview mirrorassembly, such as for use as a map reading light or the like. In anotherform, the non-incandescent light source is suitable for use at anexterior rearview mirror assembly, such as for a turn signal indicator,security light, or the like.

Optionally, the heat dissipating element further includes a reflectivesurface for reflecting light emitted by the non-incandescent lightsource toward the light directing element. The light directing elementmay include a reflector, a light pipe or conduit member, and/or a lenselement for directing light toward the targeted area.

Optionally, the module may include an electrically resistive portion inseries connection with the non-incandescent light source. Theelectrically resistive portion may be operable to limit the current ordrop the voltage that is applied to the non-incandescent light source bythe power source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an exteriorrearview mirror includes a primary or principal reflective element andan auxiliary reflective element and a bezel frame element. The bezelframe element includes a frame element portion which separates anddemarcates the auxiliary reflective element from the principalreflective element. At least one light source is positioned at or alongthe frame element portion for providing illumination. The light sourcemay comprise a turn signal indicator or a security light or the like.

According to other aspects of the present invention, the presentinvention provides a vehicular lighting system, and in particular, alighted vehicular mirror system that utilizes a lighting assemblycomprising, preferably, no more than three light emitting diode lightsources (more preferably, no more than two light emitting diode lightsources, and most preferably, a single light emitting diode lightsource) to provide intense illumination (preferably with a lightintensity of at least about 3 lux, more preferably at least about 25lux, most preferably at least about 50 lux) over a zone of area at leastabout 1 square foot in dimension, more preferably at least about 3square feet in dimension, and most preferably at least about 5 squarefeet in dimension. Such a zone of intense (and preferably uniform)illumination provided by the present invention preferably comprises thelap area of a front seat occupant of a vehicle (such as that of a driverof the vehicle or of a front passenger of the vehicle), with thelighting assembly of the invention being positioned as part of aninterior mirror assembly (attached to a front windshield of the vehicleor to a header of the vehicle, as known in the automotive mirror art,such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,139,172; 6,042,253; 5,938,321;5,813,745; 5,673,994; 5,671,996; 5,649,756; 5,178,448; 4,807,096;4,733,336 and 4,646,210, all of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference). Alternately, such a zone of intense (and preferably uniform)illumination provided by the present invention preferably comprises aground area adjacent a front door (and, more preferably, a front doorand a rear door) exterior to and at a driver-side of the vehicle orexterior to and at a passenger-side of the vehicle, with the lightingassembly of the invention being positioned as part of the exteriormirror assembly mounted to the side of the vehicle at which the groundis being illuminated in order to establish a lighted security zone atthat side and adjacent the exterior of the vehicle when it is parked andwhen approached by a person desiring to enter the vehicle, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590;6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,671,996 and 5,497,305; andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/866,398, filed May 25, 2001, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208, and Ser. No. 09/690,048, filed Oct. 16, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,839, all of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

The present invention includes use of a direct current (DC) step-downvoltage conversion element in order to allow a single high-intensitypower LED (or at most two or three individual LEDs connectedelectrically in series or a plurality of individual LEDs connectedelectrically in parallel) be efficiently powered with maximum powertransfer efficiency between the powering DC source (typically thevehicle battery or ignition system) and the LED being powered, and withminimum need to dissipate power as heat in a resistive element (such asa series power resistor capable of dissipating power of the level ofabout 1 watt and higher, and sometimes in conjunction with a heatsink/heat dissipater) and/or to use the like of pulse width modulationor similar circuitry to vary the duty cycle being applied to theindividual LED being powered.

Accordingly, these and other objects, advantages, and features willbecome more apparent from a review of the specification and drawings,which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a mirror assembly incorporating anon-incandescent light source unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the carrier assembly of FIG.2;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the incandescent light source circuitof the carrier of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the non-incandescent light sourceunit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the non-incandescent light sourcecircuit of the light source unit/module;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of an interiorrearview assembly housing incorporating a non-incandescent light sourceunit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 6 withthe bezel and reflective element removed;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the mirror casing and lightsurrounds of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of another embodiment of thenon-incandescent light source unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the non-incandescent light sources andcarrier of the light source unit of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a schematic view of the non-incandescent light source circuitof the light source unit of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of aninterior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a non-incandescent lightsource unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the mirror assembly of FIG.10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of the incandescent light source circuitof the mirror assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the mirror assembly of FIG. 10 withthe reflective element and bezel assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of thenon-incandescent light source unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a schematic view of the non-incandescent light sourcecircuit of the light source unit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is a front partial exploded elevation of an exterior rearviewmirror assembly incorporating a non-incandescent light source module ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cross section view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the non-incandescent light sourceunit/module of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation partial fragmentary view of anotherembodiment of an exterior rearview mirror assembly incorporating anon-incandescent light source unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross section view taken along the line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the non-incandescent light source unit ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing of the non-incandescent light sourcecircuit of the light source unit of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front elevation, partial fragmentary view of an anotherexterior rearview mirror assembly that incorporates a non-incandescentlight source unit/module of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic of a powering system useful with the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic of an alternate powering system useful with thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of a light modulein accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of an exteriormirror turn signal module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of an alternateembodiment of an exterior mirror turn signal module in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 28 is a front elevation of a combined groundillumination/turn-signal indicator system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the ground illumination/turn-signalindicator system of FIG. 28, with a security light assembly;

FIG. 30 is a view looking forwardly in the direction of travel of thevehicle of a lighted exterior mirror system in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 31 is a side elevation and partial sectional view of a lightedinterior mirror system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are side elevation and partial sectional views ofalternate embodiments of lighted interior mirror systems in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a view looking forwardly in the direction of travel of thevehicle of an exterior mirror system having a turn signal in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of a portion of the mirror system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a schematic of a vision-based tow hitch aid of the presentinvention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic of an improved exterior mirror lightingconfiguration of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic of an improved child monitoring system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic of an improved video display system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 40 is a schematic of an improved video display system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic of an improved video display system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic of an improved overhead console/dome light systemof the present invention; and

FIG. 43 is a schematic of an improved lighted windshield electronicsmodule system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates an interiorrearview mirror assembly which incorporates at least onenon-incandescent light source unit/module 16 of the present invention.As will be more fully described below, rearview mirror assembly 10includes a carrier 12 with an incandescent light source circuit member14 (FIG. 4) to which non-incandescent light source unit/module 16 iselectrically coupled in an incandescent light source socket (formed bycontact elements 14 a, 14 b or 14 c, 14 d). Thus, non-incandescent lightsource unit 16 provides a replacement for a conventional incandescentlight source, such as a filament light bulb. Alternatively, light sourceunit 16 may be electrically coupled via connections or contacts tocorresponding connectors or contacts of other circuits that areconnected to the vehicle ignition battery. In this manner, light sourceunit 16 provides a compact and serviceable light source that can be usedin a wide variety of applications.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment mirror assembly 10includes a pair of non-incandescent light source units/modules 16, whichare adapted to be electrically powered by incandescent light sourcecircuit member 14 and, further, to be mechanically held (preferablyreleasably held to assist insertion and removal such as during assemblyor in service) in sockets formed by arms or contact elements 14 a, 14 b,14 c and 14 d of circuit member 14. The incandescent light sourcecircuit of mirror assembly 10 (that preferably includes an ON/OFF and/ora rheostat switch such as driver-side switch 30 or passenger-side switch30′) connects the vehicle ignition/vehicle battery line of the vehicleto, for example, contact element 14 a and vehicle ground to contactelement 14 c, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, so that vehicle ignitionvoltage (typically 12 volts nominal but it can be in the 9 volt to 16volt range, or higher or lower depending on the vehicle type) is appliedacross contact elements 14 a, 14 b when switch 30 is closed (such as byactuation by a driver of the vehicle or when a door opens).Non-incandescent light source unit 16 preferably comprises a lightemitting diode light source unit or module, which produces less heatthan conventional incandescent light sources and, further, whichpreferably provides directional light. The directional lightcharacteristic of light source unit 16 enables the manufacturer of themirror assembly to simplify or eliminate light directing elements, suchas reflectors and/or optical lenses, which are typically required inassociation with incandescent light sources. As understood by thoseskilled in the art, incandescent light sources, such as a heatedfilament, project light radially outward in many directions and are,therefore, generally non-directional light sources.

Referring to FIG. 2, mirror assembly 10 includes a casing 18 and areflective element assembly 20, which includes a fixed reflectancereflective element (such as a metallic reflector mirror, for example achrome mirror) or a variable reflectance reflective element, such as aprismatic reflective element or an electrochromic reflective element.Suitable electrochromic mediums are described in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,140,455 and 5,151,816, or in the following publications: N.R. Lynam, “Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors”, SAE TechnicalPaper Series 870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, “Smart Windows forAutomobiles”, SAE Technical Paper Series 900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam andA. Agrawal, “Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials”, LargeArea Chromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control, C.M. Lampert and C. G. Granquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press, Wash.(1990), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties. Other suitable electrochromic reflectors aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,567,360; 5,525,264; 5,610,756; 5,406,414;5,253,109; 5,076,673; 5,073,012 or 5,117,346, which are all commonlyassigned, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by referencein their entireties. Mirror assembly 10 further includes a bezel or aretaining rim 22 which mounts to and forms the peripheral portion ofcasing 18 and preferably, retains reflective element assembly 20 inmirror casing 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, mirror assembly 10 comprises a prismaticmirror assembly and includes a toggle or actuator 24 that changes theorientation of reflective element assembly 20 by pivoting mirror casing18 about a mirror support 26. In addition, support 26 preferablycomprises a dual-ball mount support, which provides adjustment for theorientation of mirror casing 18. For further details of suitable togglesor actuators, reference is made to U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/533,127, filed Mar. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,870, which isincorporated herein by referenced in its entirety. Support 26 furtherincludes a channel shaped mirror mount 28 which provides a break-awayconnection for support 26 to a mirror mounting button that is adhered tothe inner surface of the windshield by an adhesive, as is commonly knownin the art. For further details of suitable mounting brackets ormounting arrangements, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,478,522;5,671,996; 5,813,745; 5,673,994; 5,820,097; 5,708,410; 5,576,687;5,521,760; 5,527,354; 5,330,149; 5,100,095; 5,058,851; 4,930,742;4,936,533; 4,436,371; 4,524,941; 4,435,042 and 4,646,210, all commonlyassigned, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference herein.

As previously noted, mirror assembly 10 includes a carrier 12, whichsupports incandescent light source circuit member 14. In addition,carrier 12 may support one or more electrical/electronic components,including for example switches 30, 30′ for actuating light sourceunits/modules 16 and other electrical devices, such as described below.Referring to FIG. 4, each light source module 16 includes one or morenon-incandescent light sources 32, such as LEDs, and preferably at leasttwo light sources, more preferably at least three light sources, andmost preferably more than four light sources. The number of the LEDswill depend on the application and, further, on the type of LED that ischosen.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, light source module16 includes six LEDs, which are interconnected such that their totalcumulative forward operating voltage is greater than about 2 volts inone form, greater than about 4 volts in another form, greater than about6 volts in yet another form, and preferably in a range of about 2 voltsto 16 volts. In another form, the total cumulative forward operatingvoltage equals approximately the system voltage of the vehicle, forexample for a 12-volt ignition voltage the total voltage could be 12volts. It should be understood where the ignition voltage of a vehicleincreases, the total cumulative voltage of the light sources maycorrespondingly increase. Optionally, light module 16 includes twogroups of LEDs, which are connected in parallel, with each group havingfor example three LEDs connected in series. It should be understood thatthe number of groups of LEDs in parallel and the number of LEDs in eachgroup may be varied, again depending on the application and the type ofLEDs that are chosen. LEDs typically have forward operating voltages ina range of about 1.7 volts to 7 volts or more, with brighter LEDstypically having a forward operating voltage in a range of about 3 voltsto about 7 volts. In addition, LEDs sources typically have a diameterdimension greater than 1 mm but less than about 7 mm, and more typicallyin a range from about 2-5 mm. One suitable light-emitting diode, at 25degrees C. or thereabouts, operates at a forward voltage of about 2volts to about 5 volts and passes a current in a range from about 20-50milliamps.

In the illustrated embodiment, light sources 32 are interconnected by anon-incandescent light source circuit 34 and commonly mounted on acircuit board 36. Circuit 34 includes or is electrically coupled toelectrical contact elements 40 a and 40 b, which form contacts. Contactelements 40 a, 40 b preferably comprise “male” plug connectors (that areoptionally integrally molded with circuit board 36) which are adapted sothat the module 16 may be plugged into the corresponding “female” socketconnector or connectors (formed by electrical contact elements 14 a, 14b or 14 c, 14 d) provided on the incandescent light source circuitmember 14. It should be understood that module 16 may include femaleconnectors, with circuit member 14 incorporating male connectors.Contact elements 40 a, 40 b preferably are directly connected to circuitboard 36. Where the contact elements are separate elements, the contactelements are interconnected with circuit 34, such as by solder via, forexample, a wire interconnect. Referring back to FIG. 4, when lightsource unit 16 is coupled to circuit member 14, electrical contactelements 40 a and 40 b are engaged by arms or electrical contactelements 14 a, 14 b or 14 c, 14 d of circuit member 14. This engagementprovides both a mechanical connection and an electrical connection thatis secure but releasable to allow coupling or decoupling of light sourceunit 16.

In order to limit the current through the LEDs, circuit 34 optionallyincludes one or more current limiting elements or devices 34 a, such asa resister or non-light emitting diode or the like, and furtheroptionally includes a polarity rectifier 34 b, such as a diode bridgerectifier, to eliminate the polarity of light source module 16. In thismanner light source module 16 can be “plugged” in with the contacts ineither orientation. Since non-incandescent light sources, such as LEDs,are typically polar (meaning that the correct polarity of poweringapplied voltage must be used), non-incandescent light sources, such as aheated filament light bulb, typically are not polar. Provision of apolarity rectifier eliminates the need to use a particular orientationwhen plugging light source module 16 into mirror assembly 10, thuseasing the assembly task. The current limiting device or devices, forexample, may have a total voltage drop in a range of 0.5 volts to 14volts or more, again depending on the application. As an alternate tothe use of a polarity rectifier element, a polarity indicator element(such as an indent or a mark or a sizing/shaping of one contact comparedto another) can be used to guide the polarity-correct connection oflight source module 16 into mirror assembly 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, mirror assembly 10 includes openings 18 aand 18 b in a bottom wall 18 c of casing through which light sourcemodules 16 direct light to form map lights or the like. Mirror assembly10 also includes a pair of surrounds 42 and 44, which are mounted tocarrier 12 and positioned over light source modules 16 in a similarfashion to conventional reflectors. Surrounds 42 and 44 can be providedmerely for aesthetic reasons so that the inside of the interior rearviewmirror assembly cannot be viewed through openings 18 a and 18 b ofcasing 18. However, in a post-assembly replacement situation, surrounds42 and 44 may comprise reflectors. It should be understood thatreflectors may not be needed for light source module 16, since lightsources 32 are directional light sources. In contrast to incandescentlight sources, the orientation of light sources 32 dictates the lightpattern generated by light sources 32. However, when retro-fitting anexisting mirror assembly in which the direction of the light module 16does not produce the desired light pattern, surrounds 42 and 44 may havereflective surfaces to direct the light in the desired light pattern.Alternatively or in addition, surrounds 46 and 48, which are positionedin openings 18 a and 18 b, may comprise optical surrounds to direct thelight in a desired light pattern. The light pattern from any one of theindividual LEDs, such as in light module 16, may be directed togenerally impinge or generally not impinge on the respective surround46, 48. Also, a light transmitting surround (preferably a diffuserand/or an optical lens (refractive and/or diffractive)) can be disposedin mirror assembly 10 such that light emitted by light module 16 passesthrough the surround, and thus be directed/modified by interaction withthe surround.

Alternately, light module 16 may incorporate a microelectronic element,such as an integrated circuit chip, including a die-on-board chip (asknown in the LED art), on which typically a plurality of at least twolight emitting diode junctions are created on a semiconductor substrate(such as a silicon wafer element) to form the LEDs. In this application,the light module may include a single large transparent surround or lensover the entire group of LEDs. The lens could be a clear lens, a Fresnellens, a binary optic, a refractive optic, a holographic optic, or adiffusing optic. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is a clear lensmade from a polymeric light transmitting material, such as an opticalacrylic or an optical epoxy material. It should be understood that thenumber of LEDs and the size of the LEDs may be varied and, further, maybe packaged using surface mount technology (SMT), which reduces the sizeof the light module.

Alternately, the individual light sources comprising the light modulemay be interconnected and directly connected, such as by molding, to theconnectors, such as brass stampings, to provide a more compact unit ormodule, thus eliminating the need for a circuit board. Furthermore,separate surrounds 42 and 44 may be eliminated altogether, with lightmodule 16 incorporating a surround or shroud as part of the modulethereby simplifying the installation process.

It should be understood from the forgoing that the present inventionprovides a non-incandescent light source unit/module that provides aone-for-one replacement for an incandescent light source in a vehicleaccessory, such as a lighted interior mirror assembly or a lightedexterior mirror assembly, including a ground illumination exteriormirror assembly, or an exterior mirror assembly incorporating a signallight, and in other interior lighting applications, such as dome lights,rail lights, reading lights, or vanity lighting in a sun visor. The unitis provided as a single or modular assembly that can be directly andreleasably plugged into a socket of an incandescent light sourcecircuit, and be powered thereby. Alternately, the light sourceunit/module of the present invention can be “plugged” into othercircuits that are connected to the vehicle ignition voltage supply.Furthermore, since LEDs do not typically generate the heat associatedwith incandescent light sources, more sensitive electronics which haveeither been heretofore relegated to exterior locations of the interiorrearview mirror assembly, or to less desirable locations within themirror assembly may be located at more optimal positions within themirror casing. Moreover, the mirror casing space proximate to the lightsource unit may be used to house heat sensitive devices, such aselectronics.

Suitable LEDs for the light source unit of the present invention includea white light emitting light emitting diode, such as described in U.S.provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/263,680, filed Jan. 23, 2001; Ser.No. 60/243,986, filed Oct. 27, 2000; Ser. No. 60/238,483, filed Oct. 6,2000; Ser. No. 60/237,077, filed Sep. 30, 2000; Ser. No. 60/234,412,filed Jul. 21, 2000; Ser. No. 60/218,336, filed Jul. 14, 2000; and Ser.No. 60/186,520, filed Mar. 2, 2000, which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties, and U.S. utility applications, filed Feb.26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, and Ser. No. 09/585,379, filedJun. 1, 2000, including a thermostable LED, which emits the same colorlight even when the temperature varies. Thus, regardless of the interioror exterior temperature of the vehicle and/or of the accessory equippedwith the thermostable non-incandescent light emitting diode source, thesame color light is radiated. Such a thermostable white light emittingnon-incandescent light emitting diode source can incorporate a trio ofred, green, and blue fluorescent materials that together create whitelight when struck by 380 nm wavelength light from a gallium-nitride LED,and is available from Toyoda Gosei Co. and Toshiba Corp of Nagoya,Japan.

One suitable white light emitting diode (LED) that is thermostable isavailable from Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. of Irvine,Calif., Part No.: TLWA1100. The thermostable white-light LED integratesmultiple colored phosphors and a short peak wavelength (preferably,approximately 380 nanometers (nm) in peak spectral output intensity)light-emitting diode junction in a phosphor-mixed transparent resinpackage to achieve a high luminosity, low power consumption lightsource. Such thermostable LEDs adopt a technological approach differingfrom that used in conventional LEDs. Light emission in the visiblewavelength band is controlled by excited phosphors, not by usingtemperature changes in the LED to achieve a change in color output. Thefact that the LED emission does not directly determine the color bringsadvantages in overall controllability and wavelength stability.Incorporated in vehicular accessories, such as those disclosed above,the thermostable diode achieves improved tonic reproduction and enhancedcolor durability during temperature shifts. Such thermostable LEDsutilize a short wavelength light source by reducing the indium in anindium-doped GaN emission layer. This excites red, green, and blue (RGB)phosphors in the transparent resin of the device package to output whitelight. The RGB balance of the phosphor layer determines the outputcolor, and different colored output can be achieved through modifiedphosphor balance. The emission light from the LED itself does notdirectly contribute to the white color. The phosphors used in the newLED offer excellent performance in terms of operating temperature rangeand color yield. Specifications of such thermostable white LEDs includea compact package (3.2×2.8 millimeter), provided in a Surface MountDevice (SMD). Luminosity is typically about 100 millicandela (mcd) at 20mA and luminous flux/electrical watt is about 4.5-5.0 lumens per watt at20 mA. Correlated color temperature is about 6,500-9,000K. Operatingtemperature is about −40° Celsius-100° Celsius and storage temperatureis about −40°-100° Celsius.

Also, high brightness LEDS are available from Uniroyal TechnologyCorporation of Saratoga, Fla. under the trade name POWER-Ga(I)™ HighBrightness InGaN LEDs which comprise high brightness, high luminousefficiency short wavelength LEDs utilizing a power ring n-Contact and acentralized p-Pad design feature. 450 nm and 470 nm high brightness blueLED die products are available that have a minimum power output of 2milliwatts in die form which, when conventionally packaged, can resultin packaged lamp power levels between 4 and 5 milliwatts. Such LEDscombine indium gallium nitride (InGaN) materials on sapphire substratesin order to produce higher efficiencies. GaN LEDs can be produced byMOCVD epitaxy on Sapphire (aluminum oxide) or can be produced on siliconcarbide substrates. Ultraviolet light emitting LEDs can be produced, andsuch can find application in the lighting of the present invention.

Depending on the application, LEDs emitting a colored light can be used,such as high intensity amber and reddish orange light emitting diodesources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizingdouble hydro junction AlGaAs/GaAs Material Technology, such as very highintensity red LED lamps (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101 available from HewlettPackard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif., or transparent substratealuminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) Material Technology,commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto,Calif. Also, blue can be used, or a combination of individual differentcolored diodes, such as red, blue, white, green, amber, orange etc. canbe used with color mixing thereof to form a desired color or to delivera desired local intensity of illumination as noted above. Other suitablewhite emitting light-emitting diodes are available from Nichia ChemicalIndustries of Tokyo, Japan and from Cree Research Inc., of Durham, N.C.For example, a white light emitting diode is available from NichiaChemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS, NSPW500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S and NSPW WF50S, suchas is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700, filedNov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,925, and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,172,613, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein. A variety of constructions are used including GaAsP onGaP substrate, gallium aluminum phosphide, indium gallium nitride, andGaN on a SiC substrate. Optionally, a plurality of LEDs such as acluster of two, three, four, six, eight or the like LEDs (each of thesame color or the cluster comprising different colored LEDs) can be usedto target and illuminate a local area for higher illumination at thatarea, such as may be useful in a map light or as a reading light or asan interior light or as an illumination source for an interior vehiclecabin-mounted and monitoring camera (most preferably illuminating thetarget area with white light). Such a cluster of high efficiency LEDscan be mounted at the mirror mount so as to project an intense patternof light generally downwardly into the vehicle cabin for purposes of mapreading, general illumination, courtesy illumination and the like. Also,a cluster of LED's, preferably including at least one white emitting LEDand/or at least one blue emitting LED, can be mounted in a roof portion,side portion or any other portion of the vehicle cabin to furnish domelighting, rail lighting, compartment lighting and the like. Use of whiteemitting LEDs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,590, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Other suitable LEDs may include high-intensity, high current capabilitylight emitting diodes such as the high-flux power LEDs available fromLumiLeds Lighting, U.S., LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the SunPowerSeries High-Flux LED trade name. Such high-intensity power LEDs comprisea power package allowing high current operation of at least about 100milliamps forward current, more preferably at least about 250 milliampsforward current, and most preferably at least about 350 milliampsforward current through a single LED. Such high current/high-intensitypower LEDs (as high as 500 mA or more current possible, and especiallywith use of heat sinks) are capable of delivering a luminous efficiencyof at least about 1 lumen per watt, more preferably at least about 3lumens per watt, and most preferably at least about 5 lumens per watt.Such high intensity power LEDs are available in blue, green, blue-green,red, amber, yellow and white light emitting forms, as well as othercolors. Such high-intensity LEDs can provide a wide-angle radiationpattern, such as an about 30 degree to an about 160 degree cone. Suchhigh-intensity power LEDs, when normally operating, emit a luminous fluxof at least about 1 lumen, more preferably at least about 5 lumens andmost preferably at least about 10 lumens. For certain applications suchas ground illumination from lighted exterior mirror assemblies andinterior mirror map lights, such high-intensity power LEDs preferablyconduct at least about 250 milliamps forward current when operated at avoltage in the about 2 volts to about 5 volts range, and emit a luminousflux of at least about 10 lumens, more preferably at least about 15lumens and most preferably at least about 25 lumens, preferably emittingwhite light. Typically, such high-intensity power LEDs are fabricatedusing Indium Gallium Nitride technology. However, to maintain the lowtemperatures associated with lower-intensity LEDs, for example belowabout 130 degrees Celsius, more preferably below about 100° Celsius, andmost preferably below about 70 degrees Celsius, a heat sink can beincorporated into incandescent light source unit 16. Preferably such aheat sink comprises a metal heat dissipater (such as an aluminum metalheat sink) with a surface area dissipating heat of at least about 1square inch, more preferably of at least about 2.5 square inches, andmost preferably of at least about 3.5 square inches. Further details ofsuitable heat sinks are described below in reference to the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 25-27 and 30-33. When used as, for example, amap/reading light assembly for an interior mirror assembly (such as inthe mirror housing or in a pod attaching to the mirror mount to thevehicle), a single high-intensity power LED (for example, a single whitelight emitting power LED passing about 350 mA and emitting white lightwith a luminous efficiency of at least about 3 lumens per watt, and witha light pattern of about 120 degrees or so) can be used. As noted above,though not required, such a light source may be combined with areflector element and a lens to form a high-intensity power LED interiorlight module capable of directing an intense white light beam of lightfrom the interior mirror assembly to the lap area of a driver or afront-seat passenger in order to allow a reading function, such as a mapreading function and/or to provide courtesy or theatre lighting withinthe vehicle cabin.

In the illustrated embodiment, circuit member 14 comprises a preformedcircuit member which is stamped from a metal, such as brass orUNS-C26000 ¾ hard brass having a thickness of about 0.025 inches.Circuit member 14 includes a series of bus strips 15 which extend anddistribute electricity to light source holders or connectors formed byelectrical contact elements 14 a, 14 b and 14 c, 14 d. Alternately,rigid or flexible metallic wire can also be used. For further details ofcircuit member 14, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886, whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As noted above, mirror assembly 10 may incorporate a wide variety ofelectronics/electrical devices and or accessories such as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/449,121, filed Nov. 24, 1999, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,428,172, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. For example, the interior rearviewmirror assembly may incorporate accessories that can be docked to theassembly for purpose of storage, battery charging, electrical powering,data input and/or output, and similar functions. Such dockable featuresare detachable by a user of the vehicle from the mirror assembly and areoptionally removable from the vehicle for use outside the vehicle. Forexample, a dockable feature may comprise a light assembly, such as aflashlight assembly, or may comprise a cellular phone, a phone module,pager, INTERNET connector, or the like. In the case of docking atelecommunication device, such as a phone or a pager, the interiormirror assembly is preferably adapted to connect to thetelecommunication device, such as a phone, in a manner such that thevehicle control system will recognize the phone and, optionally, directincoming phone calls to speakers, which may be located in the mirrorassembly or elsewhere in the vehicle. In this manner, the dockable phonemay provide removable hands-free phone function. Furthermore, in oneform, the phone may automatically be activated by the occupant's voiceor a switch or by the docking of the phone onto the mirror assembly. Inthis manner, the phone may be removed when the occupant exits the carfor normal remote use or may be docked for hands-free use.

Preferably, the interior rearview mirror assembly includes a powersource, such as a recharger that recharges the battery or batteries inany dockable accessory, which is stored or attached thereto. Aspreviously noted, such dockable accessories can include pagers, cellularphones, flash lights, or the like. In this manner, the dockableaccessory can be docked for recharging. In the case of the lightassembly, the light assembly can be docked for use as a map readinglight or the like. When undocked, the light assembly (which includesinternal batteries) may be used as a flashlight, as previously noted.

Alternately, the phone module of a cellular or digital phone may bedocked on the interior mirror assembly such that the vehicle systemcouples the phone module to the speakers and microphones to provide ahands-free phone system. In this manner, the module can be quickly andeasily docked and, further, removed for replacement into the phonehousing. Furthermore, a hands-free phone system may be coupled to one ormore of the video screens incorporated into the interior rearview mirrorassembly to form a teleconferencing system, with the video screendisplaying images of the one or more of the parties. Optionally, theinterior rearview mirror assembly may incorporate a camera so thatbi-directional teleconferencing can be achieved. It should beunderstood, that any one of the microphones, speakers, video cameras,and the video screen may be incorporated into the mirror casing (themovable portion of the mirror assembly), the mounting bracket, a podmounted to the mounting bracket (the fixed portion of the mirrorassembly), or a header. In preferred form, however, as described inreference to the previous embodiments, the video screen or screens arepreferably incorporated into the mirror assembly casing. Reference forsuch video-telephone applications is made to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/918,772, filed Aug. 25, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886,which is commonly assigned, the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. For further details ofsuitable locations of the video screens reference is made to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268.

In addition, when either the phone or phone module is docked, as cellphone calls become traceable through a global positioning system (GPS),emergency phone calls may be forwarded or routed to the correctemergency agency for that location. Since each phone has a uniqueidentifier, GPS can identify a phone and, further, identify the locationof that phone. For example, the phone or mirror assembly may include aseparate emergency button which can be activated by an occupant of thevehicle to notify local emergency agencies that an occupant of thevehicle is in need for emergency assistance. For example, tracing of thephone may be incorporated into or used in conjunction with a vehiclenavigation system, such as described in U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 60/131,593, filed Apr. 29, 1999, which is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety. Where the vehicle is equipped with a GPSsystem, the GPS system can monitor the movement of the vehicle, and byknowing that the vehicle has moved from one location to another, andbecause the GPS knows the geographic position of both locations relativeto each other, the navigation system can determine the directionalheading of the vehicle, and furnish this as a compass heading signal fordisplay as a compass display such as at the interior mirror assembly.

A variety of electrical and electronic features can be incorporated intothe interior rearview mirror assembly (or into an accessory moduleassembly, such as a windshield electronics module assembly), such asthose disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filedNov. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613, commonly assigned, which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, amicrophone or a plurality of microphones may be incorporated, preferablyto provide hands-free input to a wireless telecommunication system suchas the ONSTAR® system in use in General Motors vehicles. Most preferablysuch microphones provide input to an audio system that transmits andcommunicates wirelessly with a remote transceiver, preferably in voicerecognition mode. Such systems are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,003,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.Microphones, sound processing systems, and other accessories suitable touse in the mirror systems of the present invention are disclosed inco-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filed Dec. 17,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975; Ser. No. 09/396,179, filed Sep. 14,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,377; Ser. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,003; Ser. No. 09/449,121, filed Nov. 24,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,172; Ser. No. 09/433,467, filed Nov. 4,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613; and Ser. No. 09/448,700, filed Nov.24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,925, the entire disclosures of all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In this regard it may be desirable to use audio processing techniquessuch as digital sound processing, to ensure that vocal inputs to thevehicular audio system are clearly distinguished from cabin ambientnoise, such as from wind noise, HVAC, and the like. Also, noisecancellation techniques, such as destructive interference, canadvantageously be used whereby the signal as picked up by the microphoneis processed, the human vocal signal is distinguished from the noisesignal, and whereby the noise signal is fed back 180 degrees out ofphase with itself in order to cancel out the noise by destructiveinterference and so enhance the vocal signal to background noise ratio.

Preferably the microphone interfaces to an audio system that includes ananalog to digital converter and/or a digital to analog converter for thepurpose of converting the analog output of the microphone to a digitalsignal for input to a digital sound processor and for conversion of thedigital output of a digital sound processor to an analog signal forwireless transmission to a remote transceiver. Digital sound processingtechniques may be used to enhance the vocal signal to background noisediscrimination ratio. Also, both analog and digital audio filteringtechniques can be used to enhance the vocal to background noise ratio,and so assist clarity of transmission and/or receipt at a remotereceiver and so improve accuracy in voice recognition mode. Also,physical techniques such as sound insulation, acoustic wave guides,angling of microphones to selectively detect speech versus backgroundnoise, and/or use of a directed microphone directed to a potential humanspeaker in conjunction with a more omnidirectional microphone intendedto detect background noise can be used. An adaptive signal processingsystem can be used to enhance vocal to noise ratio. Mechanicalcancellation of ambient noise can be provided, as can a noise cancelingpressure gradient microphone, preferably in conjunction with acousticports including voice and noise ports. Such a system is disclosed inWorld Pat. Publication WO 9817046 to D. Andrea of Apr. 23, 1998, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

For example, mirror assembly 10 may include circuitry for mirror mountedvideo cameras, which are used to visually detect the presence ofmoisture on the windshield and actuate windshield wipers accordingly,such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/621,863, filedMar. 25, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,094, or mirror mounted camerasfor vehicle internal cabin monitoring disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,877,897 and 5,760,962, both commonly assigned, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, or mirror mountedcameras for rear vision systems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,959,367; 5,929,786; 5,949,331; 5,914,815; 5,786,772; 5,798,575;5,670,935; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/304,201, filed May 3,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,409; Ser. No. 09/375,315, filed Aug. 16,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,164; Ser. No. 09/199,907 filed Nov. 25,1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610; Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642; Ser. No. 09/372,915, filed Aug. 12,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,397; Ser. No. 09/300,201, filed May 3,1999; and Ser. No. 09/313,139, filed May 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,222,447, which are all commonly assigned, the disclosures of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additionalfeatures and accessories that may be incorporated into the mirrorassembly include: A trip computer, an intrusion detector, displaysindicating, for example passenger air bag status, including informationdisplays such as a PSIR (Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint) display,an SIR (Side-Airbag Inflatable Restraint), compass/temperature display,a tire pressure status display or other desirable displays and the like,such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726,filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, rearview mirrorassembly 10 (or an accessory module assembly such as a windshieldelectronics module assembly), may include: antennas, including GPS orcellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,552; acommunication module, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688;displays such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,240 or in U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613;blind spot detection systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,929,786 or 5,786,772; transmitters and/or receivers, such as garagedoor openers, a digital network, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,798,575; a high/low head lamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,715,093; a memory mirror system, such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,796,176; a hands-free phone attachment, a video device forinternal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and 5,877,897 and application Ser.No. 09/433,467, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613; a remote keyless entryreceiver; microphones and/or speakers, such as disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,201,642, and Ser. No. 09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,717,610; a compass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,212;seat occupancy detector; a trip computer; an ONSTAR® System or the like,with all of the referenced patents and applications being commonlyassigned, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by referencein their entireties.

Interior rearview mirror assembly 10 may also include acompass/temperature and a clock display, fuel level display, and othervehicle status and other information displays. The interior rearviewmirror assembly may also include a compass/temperature and a clockdisplay, fuel level display, and other vehicle status and otherinformation displays. Furthermore, information displays may beincorporated which provide information to the driver or occupants of thevehicle, such as warnings relating to the status of the passengerairbag. In commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed byJonathan E. DeLine and Niall R. Lynam, on Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,172,613, information displays are provided which includeinformation relating to vehicle or engine status, warning information,and the like such as information relating to oil pressure, fuelremaining, time, temperature, compass headings for vehicle direction,and the like, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. The passenger side air bag on/off signal maybe derived from various types of seat occupancy detectors such as byvideo surveillance of the passenger seat as disclosed in commonlyassigned PCT Pat. Application No. PCT/US94/01954, filed Feb. 25, 1994,published Sep. 1, 2004 as PCT Publication No. WO/1994/019212, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or byultrasonic or sonar detection, infrared sensing, pyrodetection, weightdetection, or the like. Alternately, enablement/displayment of thepassenger side air bag operation can be controlled manually such asthrough a user-operated switch operated with the ignition key of thevehicle in which the mirror assembly is mounted as described in commonlyassigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, filed Feb. 12,1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In addition, theinterior rearview mirror assemblies may include electronic and electricdevices, including a blind spot detection system, such as the typedisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, filed Feb. 12,1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772, or rain sensor systems, for examplerain sensor systems which include windshield contacting rain sensorssuch as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,844 or non-windshieldcontacting rain sensors, such as described in PCT InternationalApplication PCT/US94/05093, published as WO 94/27262 on Nov. 24, 1994,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

In addition, the mirror assembly (or an accessory module assembly suchas a windshield electronics module assembly) may incorporate one or morevideo screens or video display assemblies, such as disclosed in U.S.provisional applications, Ser. No. 60/263,680, filed Jan. 23, 2001; Ser.No. 60/243,986, filed Oct. 27, 2000; Ser. No. 60/238,483, filed Oct. 6,2000; Ser. No. 60/237,077, filed Sep. 29, 2000; Ser. No. 60/234,412,filed Sep. 21, 2000; Ser. No. 60/218,336, filed Jul. 14, 2000; and Ser.No. 60/186,520, filed Mar. 2, 2000, all commonly assigned, the entiredisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

The video screen may be used for a baby minder system, such as thevehicle interior monitoring system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897and 5,760,962 or the rear vision system described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,201,642, and Ser. No. 09/199,907 filed Nov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,717,610, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filedNov. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613, all of which are incorporatedby reference in their entireties herein. An interior surveillance systempermits the driver of the vehicle to observe behavior or the activitiesof babies or children or other passengers seated in the rear seat. Thisis especially advantageous when the child or baby is in a rearwardfacing car seat, where the child or baby would ordinarily not be visibleto the driver while driving. For example, a camera, such as a CMOS orCCD camera, can be mounted to view the rear seat area of the vehicle sothat the driver can view what is occurring, such as in a rear seatmounted baby seat or with a rear seat passenger, such as children.Preferably, to enable viewing of the rear seat occupant or occupantseven by night, the target field of view of the camera may be illuminatedin a manner that provides adequate visibility for the camera to discernwhat is occurring in the rear seat in a darkened vehicle cabin but notilluminating in a manner that causes glare, distraction, and/ordiscomfort to any vehicle occupants, including the driver and/or rearseat passengers. For example, such a rear seat monitoring cameraillumination is preferably achieved using directed low levelnon-incandescent light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs),organic light emitting material, electroluminescent sources (bothorganic and inorganic), and the like, and most preferably suchnon-incandescent sources are low power and are directed low intensitysources, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321 and applicationSer. No. 09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,172,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The babyminder camera may be mounted as a part of the rearview mirror assemblyand, most preferably, may be mounted as a part of a roof area of theinterior vehicle cabin such as a header, including a front header of aroof or a rear header or a header console of a roof. It may be desirableto mount a baby minder camera to the rear header of a roof when it isdesirable to view rear facing child support seats. Most preferably, aplurality of at least two, more preferably at least four, and mostpreferably at least six LEDs (or similar low level, directed,low-current light sources such as electroluminescent sources and organiclight emitting sources) are mounted with a camera (preferably, such asto form a ring around the camera) with the light projected from theindividual LEDs directed to be coincident with the camera field of viewand to illuminate the target area desired to be viewed. The LEDs beingdirected low level sources will not glare or cause discomfort tooccupants when illuminated. Further, camera illumination sources can beilluminated whenever the ignition switch is on to operate the vehicle orat least when the ignition switch is placed in an “accessory on”position so that both the camera and illumination lights are operatingon vehicle battery power even when parked. Alternately, the illuminationlights can be operational only when the baby minder camera is selectedto be operational. While it is preferred to use non-incandescent lights,incandescent light sources can be used, most preferably high intensity,low current incandescent light sources. For example, when the camera isactivated to view the rear seat or to view a baby seat or the like, thedome light in the vehicle, which typically comprises an incandescentlight source, can illuminate so that the rear seat area is illuminatedto assist visibility for the camera. A circuit or other device can beprovided that illuminates the dome light (or a similar rearseat-illuminating interior light source, such as a rail lamp or thelike) whenever the camera is selected to view the rear seat. Optionally,the dome light or similar interior light within the interior cabin, oncecaused to illuminate when the camera is activated, can cease toilluminate after a determined time interval (such as 5 seconds or tenseconds or longer) under the control of a timeout circuit or device. Byproviding a timeout, the driver can selectively view the status ofpassengers in the rear seat of the vehicle by selecting a baby-mindercamera or similar rear seat viewing function (such as by voice command,user-operated switch or the like). Upon selection of the camerafunction, whatever is being viewed on the video screen in the vehiclemay be interrupted (or superimposed over or the like), the interiorlight in the cabin (such as the dome light) will illuminate, a timeoutwill initiate, and the driver (or other front-seat occupant) can viewthe rear seat status for the duration of the timeout. Once the timeoutelapses, the interior light ceases to illuminate, and preferably, thecamera ceases to be activated and the video screen reverts to itspre-event status. Optionally, a reverse-aid rearward viewing camera canbe mounted to the rear of the vehicle in order to display to the driver,upon selecting a reverse gear, a field of view immediately rearward ofthe vehicle so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle. Suchvehicle reverse-aid camera systems are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,201,642, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/199,907, filedNov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610, and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/313,139, filed May 17,1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,222,447, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein. For example, when the driver selects a reverse gear, a view ofthe back-seat of the vehicle is automatically replaced with a viewrearward of the vehicle provided by the rearward-facing reverse-aidcamera (typically mounted at the vehicle rear license plate area or thelike) and when reverse gear is disengaged, the view of the back-seat isonce again displayed at the display screen visible to the driver in theinterior cabin of the vehicle (such as at, on, or in the interiorrearview mirror assembly). Also, when a baby is small, a rear-facingchild seat is preferred (i.e. the child faces the rear of the vehiclecabin) whereas as the child grows, a forward-facing child seat ispreferred. In order to cater for forward-facing child seats versusrearward-facing child seats, two cameras can be mounted such as in theroof area of the vehicle. One forward viewing camera (i.e. viewingforward of the vehicle relative to the direction of forward motion ofthe vehicle) can be mounted at a roof location (such as above thevehicle rear window) to view a baby seated in a rear-facing baby seatand a second rearward viewing camera (i.e. viewing rearward of thevehicle relative to the direction of forward motion of the vehicle) canbe mounted at a roof location (such as above the vehicle frontwindshield or as part of the interior mirror assembly) to view a childseated in a forward-facing baby seat. A switch can be provided to allowthe driver to choose to use any one of the forward viewing camera andthe rearward viewing camera. Optionally and preferably from a costviewpoint, a single camera module can be provided that can connect toand/or dock into two or more spaced and separate camera module receivingstations. One (i.e. a first) camera module receiving station can behigh-mounted at a forward location in the vehicle cabin (such as in aheader console above and adjacent the front windshield or in theheadliner above and adjacent the front windshield or as part of theinterior rearview mirror assembly) and a second camera module receivingstation can be located at a rearward location in the vehicle cabin (suchas above and adjacent to the rear window, or at a position in theheadliner of the vehicle that is located above and rearward of the rearseat, or as part of a dome lamp or other interior lighting assembly,preferably a lighting assembly comprising a plurality of light emittingdiodes, and most preferably a lighting assembly comprising a pluralityof light emitting diodes comprising at least one white light emittingdiode) that is spaced and separate from the location of the first camerareceiving station. A single camera module can be provided that plugsinto, and electrically/electronically connects to, any one of the twocamera receiving stations provided. When the camera module is pluggedinto the first camera receiving station, the camera field of view isdirected rearwardly in the vehicle cabin to monitor a back seat area andthus monitor a child strapped in a forwardly-facing child seat and thelike. The camera receiving station provides power to the camera andreceives video signals generated by the camera. If, however, arearward-facing baby seat was mounted on the rear seat, the driver canunplug the camera module from the first camera receiving station andplug it into the second camera receiving station. When plugged into thesecond camera receiving station, the camera lens faces forwardly in thecabin and its field of view is directed to capture and hence display therearward-facing baby strapped in the rearwardly-facing baby (or child)seat. Optionally, a plurality of camera receiving stations (such asthree or four or more) can be provided to allow a single camera bemounted at a plurality of locations in a vehicle cabin with its field ofview selected to be directed to a specific portion of the vehicle cabinby plugging the camera module into a specific one of the availableplurality of camera receiving stations. This allows a “plug and view”capability for the vehicle user. As an alternate, or as a supplement, toa plurality of camera receiving stations, a camera can be movablymounted on a rail that also functions as a power strip that is affixedto an interior vehicular cabin structure such as a headliner of thevehicle or to a window of a vehicle (such as is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/895,729, filed Jul. 17, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.6,019,411, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein). Thus, for example, a camera can move along a channelin a rail attached to a vehicle cabin roof headliner. When stopped at aparticular position along the rail, the camera module can receive powerinput from, and deliver signal output to, the rail such as viaconductive brush connectors, such as carbon brushes. Alternately, thecamera module can transmit video image data wirelessly within the cabin,such as by infrared or by radio-frequency transmission (such as part ofa short range, local RF broadcast network operating under a BLUETOOTHprotocol available from Motorola of Schaumberg III., or via the IEEE802.11a wireless local area network standard that preferably uses a 5Gigahertz frequency band and with a data transfer rate of at least about10 Mb/sec and more preferably at least about 30 Mb/sec), to acabin-mounted receiver (or externally of the vehicle to a remotereceiver such as might be used in a cabin security monitoringcamera-based system that, for example, monitors the interior vehiclecabin while the vehicle is parked in order to detect intrusion by anunauthorized party). Optionally, the camera module mounted in thevehicle cabin is detachably mounted so that it can be removed from thevehicle both as an anti-theft device and in order to allow the camera tobe used outside the vehicle such as in a child's crib in a home. In thisregard, a video camera (such as the detachable vehicle camera module)can be mounted at a distance from the vehicle such as in the like of achild's bedroom in a house to monitor, for example, a child sleeping ina crib, and its video image can be wirelessly transmitted (such as byradio-frequency transmission) or transmitted via a wireless INTERNETlinkage to the vehicle so the driver and/or other occupants of thevehicle can view the video image of the child in the crib at home on avehicular video screen, preferably on a screen mounted at, on or in theinterior mirror assembly, while the vehicle is located and operating ata distance from the location of the home where the camera generating thevideo image is located. Also, the camera used in the applicationsdescribed above and below can be an autofocusing and/or autoexposurecamera using an autofocusing lens system and/or an autoexposure system(such as via an automatically adjustable iris system). Also, optionally,the field of view of the lens of the camera can be adjusted to view amultitude of locations in the vehicle cabin such as by ajoystick-control or the like.

Note that a driver may not want to continually view a baby or infant orchild being monitored by the baby camera system of the presentinvention. Thus, optionally, the image of the baby/infant/child, asdisplayed by a video display of this present invention, can deactivateafter a determined time interval (for example, after about 1 minute ofdisplay) and be reactivated by the driver actuating an inputbutton/stalk/touch screen and/or issuing a voice command. Also,optionally, the baby camera only actuates when the baby seat belt isclasped (as otherwise monitoring an empty seat may be distracting andwasteful). Alternately, the baby minder system may automatically displayan image of the baby seat whenever the baby seat clasp in not clasped orif the baby seat itself is improperly installed to provide an alert tothe driver that an unsafe condition may exist (such as may exist shoulda child unclasp a baby seat safety belt while the vehicle is in motion).

Light emitting sources, such as light emitting diodes, can be used toprovide lighting for any camera that feeds an image to themirror-mounted video screen (or feeds an image to an accessory moduleassembly such as a windshield electronics module assembly). Lightemitting diodes can be used to provide illumination in various colors,such as white, amber, yellow, green, orange red, blue, or theircombination, or the like, may be used. Alternately, other light emittingelements can be used to provide illumination for any camera that feedsan image to the mirror-mounted video screen, such as incandescentsources, fluorescent sources, including cold-cathode fluorescentsources, electroluminescent sources (both organic and inorganic), suchas described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,321, and application Ser. No.09/287,926, filed Apr. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,172, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties, and in such as isdisclosed in co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010,filed Dec. 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975, the entire disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, and in co-assignedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/449,121, filed Nov. 24, 1999, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,428,172, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/585,379, filed Jun. 1, 2000, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

The mirror-mounted video screen can display the output from a rearvision back-up camera, such as disclosed in application Ser. No.09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610, and Ser.No. 09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642,commonly assigned, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties, along with vehicle instrument status,such as a vehicle information display, such as information relating tofuel gauge levels, speed, climate control setting, GPS directionalinstructions, tire pressure status, instrument and vehicle functionstatus, and the like.

Also, and especially for a mirror assembly incorporating a video screenthat is incorporated as part of an interior electro-optic (such aselectrochromic) mirror assembly, a common circuit board and/or commonelectronic components and sub-circuitry can be utilized to control theelectro-optic activity of the reflective element and to control theimage displayed by the video screen, thus achieving economy of designand function, and for operating other electrical or electronic functionssupported in the interior rearview assembly. For example, a circuitboard of the interior mirror assembly may support, for example, lightemitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating indicia on display elementsprovided on a chin or eyebrow portion of the bezel region of theinterior mirror casing. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,671,996and 5,820,245, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties. It should be understood that one or moreof these buttons or displays may be located elsewhere on the mirrorassembly or separately in a module, for example of the type disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726, now U.S. Pat. No.6,172,613, and may comprise the touch-sensitive displays as disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/192,721, filed Mar. 27, 2000, thedisclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties. Note that button inputs can be provided along the lowerbezel region of the interior mirror assembly such that, when actuated, adisplay appears within the mirror reflector region of the mirrorreflective element. Preferably, the display appears local to thephysical location of the particular button accessed by the driver orvehicle occupant (typically, immediately above it) so that the personaccessing the mirror associates the appearance and information of thedisplay called up by that individual button with the user's actuation ofthe button. Multiple actuations of that button can cause the display toscroll through various menu items/data displays, allowing the user toaccess a wide range of information. The button and associated circuitrycan be adapted to recognize when a particular menu item is desiredselected (such as holding down a particular input button for longer thana prescribed period, for example longer than about 1 second or longerthan about 2 seconds or the like; if the button is held down for lessthan the prescribed period, the display scrolls to the next menu item).Preferably, whatever information is being displayed is displayed by asubstantially reflecting and substantially transmittingreflective/transmissive reflector of the mirror reflective element suchas the display on demand constructions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,724,187, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference. Also, these features can be provided for any non-mirror videodisplay of the present invention.

Optionally, one or more of the cameras of the vehicle may be equippedwith infrared LED light emitting sources, such as are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/025,712, filed Feb. 18, 1998, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,087,953, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/244,726,filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/561,023, filed Apr. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,553,308, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/466,010, filedDec. 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,420,975, which are all incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties, in order to light up an area inor around the vehicle when it is dark. When an intrusion detector suchas a motion detector (preferably a pyrodetector-based intrusiondetection system such as is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/901,929, filed Jul. 29, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.6,166,625, and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/516,831, filed Mar. 1, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,529, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/275,565, filed Mar. 24, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,086,131, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference herein in their entireties) is triggered by, for example,someone attempting to break into the vehicle or steal the vehicle, thevehicle-based security system triggers images captured by the vehicularcamera(s) to be downloaded to the telemetry system which then forwardsby wireless telecommunication (such as by radio frequency or bymicrowave transmission) the images (or a security alert signal derivedfrom an in-vehicle image analysis of the captured images) to a securityservice, a mobile device in the possession of the driver of the vehiclewhen he/she is remote from the parked vehicle (such as a key-fob or aPalm Pilot™ PDA), the cell phone of the vehicle owner, the home computerof the vehicle owner or the police or the like that is remote anddistant from the vehicle where the security condition is being detected.Preferably, the in-vehicle camera-based security system silently andsecretly records the events occurring in and/or around the vehicle whileit is operating (such as when idling in traffic or moving on a highwayor stopped at a traffic light) and provides a “black box” recording ofactivities in the interior of the vehicle or exterior of the vehicle.For example, the security system may be used to record or documentvehicle status including speed, brake activation, vehicle control statussignals (for example, whether the turn signal has been actuated, vehicletraction, tire pressures, yaw and roll, geographic location, time anddate) and other vehicle information as well as record visual imagesdetected by the cameras. In an accident, such vehicleperformance/function data in combination with a visual recording of theinterior and/or exterior vehicular scene (and optionally, a microphonerecording of sounds/voices interior and/or exterior to the vehicle) canhelp insurance and police investigators establish the causes andconditions of an accident. The camera-based vehicle performance/functionrecording system of the vehicle preferably records data onto a recordingmedium (such as onto electronic memory or onto digital recording tape)that is rugged and protected from the consequences of an accident so asto survive the impact forces, shocks, fires and other events possible inan automobile accident. Preferably, any electronic memory utilized isnon-volatile memory that is non-erasing in the event of electrical powerloss in the vehicle. For example, the camera-based in-vehicle securitysystem may include an electronic memory recording medium and/or a videotape (preferably a digital) recording medium so that a pre-determinedperiod of operation of the vehicle, such as up to the last about 1minute of vehicle operation, more preferably up to the last about 5minutes of vehicle operation, most preferably up to the last about 15minutes of vehicle operation, or even greater, is continuously recorded(such as on a closed-loop tape or electronic recording that continuallyrecords the most recent events inside and/or outside the roadtransportation vehicle). The camera-based in-vehicle security system canmaintain the stored images and/or vehicle data in the vehicle fordownloading when desired such as after an accident. Alternately, thecamera-based in-vehicle security system can transmit the images and/orvehicle data by wireless communication to a remote receiver such as areceiver distant and remote from the vehicle (such as at a securitysystem or a telematic service such as ONSTAR® or RESCU™ or at thevehicle owners home or at a car rental center). This can occurcontinuously while the vehicle is being operated, so that in the eventan accident occurs, retrieval and analysis of the recorded informationis not impeded such as by damage or even loss of the vehicle in theaccident. Also, the remote receiver of the information can alertauthorities (such as a police, fire and/or ambulance service) of anaccident immediately when such accident occurs (and thus potentiallyspeed aid to any accident victims and/or dispatch the correct medicalaid for the type of accident/injuries recorded by the camera(s)). Therecorded information can include the gear in which the driver isoperating the vehicle, the activation of the brakes, the speed at whichthe driver is traveling, the rate of acceleration/deceleration, thetime, date and geographic location, the atmospheric conditions includinglighting conditions—basically, the system can record what happenedduring a collision whereby the system provides an informationrecordation function. For example, when the system is used to record anaccident when the vehicle is operating, the cameras may record scenes,vehicle instrument/function status, or the like which are kept on a tapeor non-volatile electronic, solid-state memory, for example a continuousloop tape or electronic memory. Alternately, this information can becontinuously transmitted or downloaded. For example, the information canbe downloaded in response to a selected stimuli or trigger, such as whenthe brakes are activated, the air bag or bags are activated, when thehorn is operated, or when the car de-accelerates, or the like. Forexample, the system may use accelerometers such as disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/440,497, filed Nov. 15, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,411,204, and, furthermore, may be combined with thedeceleration based anti-collision safety light control system describedin the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein. This informationrecordation function can be used, as noted above, to record bothinterior activities and exterior activities and, therefore, can be usedas noted above as a security system as well. When the system is used asa security system, the telemetry system may contact the security basewho in turn can scroll through the camera images to determine whetherthe alarm is a true or false alarm. In this manner, various existingsystems that are provided in the vehicle may be optionally usedindividually to provide one or more functions or collectively to provideeven further or enhanced functions.

Examples of camera locations where vehicular cameras included in avehicular camera-based accident recording system can be located includeinterior and exterior mirror assembly locations, roof areas such as aheadliner or header console, front, side and rear exterior body areassuch as front grilles, rear doors/trunk areas, side doors, side panels,door handles, CHMSL units, interior body pillars (such as an A-, B- orC-interior pillar) and seat backs, and such as are disclosed in commonlyassigned U.S. Provisional Applications, Ser. No. 60/187,961, filed Mar.9, 2000; Ser. No. 60/192,721, filed Mar. 27, 2000; and Ser. No.60/186,520, filed Mar. 1, 2000; and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,877,897;5,760,962; 5,959,367; 5,929,786; 5,949,331; 5,914,815; 5,786,772;5,798,575; and 5,670,935; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/304,201, filed May 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,886; Ser. No.09/375,315, filed Aug. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,164; Ser. No.09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610; Ser. No.09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642; Ser. No.09/372,915, filed Aug. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,397; Ser. No.09/304,201, filed May 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,409; and Ser. No.09/313,139, filed May 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,447, which areall commonly assigned, the disclosures of which are herein incorporatedby reference in their entireties. For example, a camera, preferably asolid-state CMOS video camera, can be located within the interior cabinof the vehicle (and preferably located at, on or within the interiorrearview mirror assembly or at or in an A-pillar), and adapted tocapture a surveillance image of the front and rear occupants of thevehicle. In this regard, locating the interior cabin surveillance cameraat, on or within the interior rearview mirror assembly is preferred asthis location provides the camera with a good rearward field of viewthat captures an image of all front and rear seat occupants. Preferably,the vehicle is also equipped with the in-vehicle portion of a wirelesscommunication telematic system such as an ONSTAR® or RESCU™ system, andthe geographic location of the vehicle can also be established by anavigational system, such as an in-vehicle GPS system. Images of theinterior vehicle cabin (including images of the various vehicleoccupants) can be captured by the in-vehicle image capture device,preferably an interior mirror-mounted video camera, and thisinformation, in conjunction with the geographic location of the vehicleprovided by a position locator such as a GPS system, along with variousvehicle information/function data such as the state of activation of anyair bag in the vehicle, can be communicated by wirelesstelecommunication to an external service remote from the vehicle such asan ONSTAR® or RESCU™ service. Such communication can be periodic (suchas when the ignition is first turned on during a particular trip, orinitially when the ignition is first turned on and intermittentlythereafter, such as every about 1 minute or so) or continuous duringoperation of the vehicle with its engine turned on. Should the receiverat the remote service be alerted that an accident has occurred (such asby receiving from the vehicle via wireless telematic communication anaccident alert signal indicative that an air bag has activated), theremote receiver (which can be an ONSTAR® operator or an automaticcomputer-based image analyzer or an emergency service such as a “911”service provider) can count, via the video imaged relayed from thevehicle, the number of occupants in the vehicle and can accordinglyalert emergency services as to the location of the accident and thenumber of victims involved (thus ensuring that the appropriate numberof, for example, ambulances are dispatched to deal with the actualnumber of potential victims in the vehicle at the time of the crash).Optionally, the owner/driver of the vehicle can register/notify theremote telematic service of any special medical needs, blood types andthe likes of the likely driver(s) and/or likely occupants (such asfamily members) along with any next-of-kin information, insurancecoverage and the like so that, in the event the like of an ONSTAR® orRESCU™ telematic service or telematically-linked “911” emergencyresponse service determines an accident has occurred, medical andemergency relief specific to the likely/actual occupants of the vehiclecan be dispatched. Likewise, should an in-vehicle fire be detected suchas by visual determination via image analysis of video imagestelematically transmitted and/or by an in-vehicle temperature probetransmitting data telematically, then the fire brigade can beautomatically sent to the crash site and/or an in-vehicle fireextinguisher can be activated to put out any fire (either by remote,wireless activation by the telematic service of the in-vehicle fireextinguisher or by automatic in-vehicle image analysis of the imagerecorded by an interior or exterior camera of the vehicle that, uponin-vehicle image analysis determining that a fire has occurred in thevehicle, causes a vehicular on-board fire extinguisher to actuate to putout the fire). Also, either remotely or via in-vehicle image analysis,the engine of the vehicle can be turned off after an accident has beendetected via the vehicular camera system,

A variety of other electrical and electronic features can beincorporated into the assemblies of the present invention, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filed Nov. 4,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,613, commonly assigned, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, a microphone ora plurality of microphones may be incorporated, preferably to providehands-free input to a wireless telecommunication system such as theONSTAR® system in use in General Motors vehicles. Most preferably, suchmicrophones provide input to an audio system that transmits andcommunicates wirelessly with a remote transceiver, preferably in voicerecognition mode. Such systems are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/382,720, filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,003,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In this regard it may be desirable to use audio processing techniques,such as digital sound processing, to ensure that vocal inputs to thevehicular audio system are clearly distinguished from cabin ambientnoise such as from wind noise, HVAC, and the like. Digital soundprocessing techniques, as known in the acoustics arts and such as aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,865 (the disclosure of whichincorporated by reference herein), are particularly useful to enhanceclarity of vocal signal detection when a single microphone is used,located in the interior mirror assembly such as in the mirror casingthat houses the interior mirror reflective element, as part of avehicular wireless communication system such as General Motors' ONSTAR®system. Use of digital signal processing and a single mirror-mountedmicrophone (such as is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/396,179, filed Sep. 14, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,377, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein) is particularlyadvantageous for economical achievement of clear and error-freetransmission from the vehicle, while operating along a highway, to aremote receiver, particularly in speech-recognition mode. Althoughadvantageous with a single mirror-mounted microphone (or for amicrophone mounted elsewhere in the vehicle cabin such as in the headerregion or in an accessory module assembly such as a windshieldelectronics module assembly), digital sound processing is alsobeneficial when multiple microphones are used, and preferably when atleast two and more preferably at least four microphones are used.

As previously described, connection and communication between the videodisplays and/or the cameras and/or other electronic accessories of thepresent invention can be by wired connection (including multi-elementcables, wired multiplex links and fiber-optic cables) and/or by wirelessconnection/communication (such as by infrared communication and/or byradio frequency communication such as via BLUETOOTH, described below).

For example, any of the video displays of the present invention mayinclude a display of the speed limit applicable to the location wherethe vehicle is travelling. Conventionally, speed limits are posted as afixed limit (for example, 45 MPH) that is read by the vehicle driverupon passing a sign. As an improvement to this, an information display(preferably an alphanumerical display and, more preferably, areconfigurable display) can be provided within the vehicle cabin, andpreferably displayed by a video display of the present invention, andreadable by the driver, that displays the speed limit at whateverlocation on the road/highway the vehicle actually is at any moment. Forexample, existing speed limit signs could be enhanced to include atransmitter that broadcasts a local speed limit signal, such signalbeing received by an in-vehicle receiver and displayed to the driver.The speed limit signal can be transmitted by a variety of wirelesstransmission methods, such as radio transmission, and such systems canbenefit from wireless transmission protocols and standards, such as theBLUETOOTH low-cost, low-power radio based cable replacement or wirelesslink based on short-range radio-based technology. BLUETOOTH enablescreation of a short-range (typically 30 feet or so although longer andshorter ranges are possible), wireless personal area network via smallradio transmitters built into various devices. For example, transmissioncan be on a 2.45 gigahertz band, moving data at about 721 kilobits persecond, or faster. BLUETOOTH, and similar systems, allow creation of anin-vehicle area network. Conventionally, features and accessories in thevehicle are wired together. Thus, for example, an interiorelectrochromic mirror and an exterior electrochromic mirror is connectedby at least one wire in order to transmit control signal and the like.With BLUETOOTH and similar systems such as the IEEE 802.11a protocolwhich is a wireless local area network standard that preferably uses a 5Gigahertz frequency band and with a data transfer rate of at least about10 Mb/sec and more preferably at least about 30 Mb/sec, control commandscan be broadcast between the interior mirror and the exterior mirror(and vice versa) or between a camera capturing an image in a horse box(or any other towed trailer) being towed by a vehicle and a videodisplay located at the windshield or at the interior rearview mirror orat or adjacent to an A-pillar of that vehicle that is viewable by thevehicle driver without the need for physical wiring interconnecting thetwo. Likewise, for example, the two exterior mirror assemblies on thevehicle can exchange, transmit and/or receive control commands/signals(such as of memory position or the like such as is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,798,575, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein) via an in-vehicle short-range radio local network suchas BLUETOOTH. Similarly, tire pressure sensors in the wheels cantransmit via BLUETOOTH to a receiver in the interior mirror assembly,and tire pressure status (such as described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/513,941, filed Feb. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,989,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety) can bedisplayed, preferably at the interior rearview mirror. In the case ofthe dynamic speed limit system described above, preferably, thein-vehicle receiver is located at and/or the display of local speedlimit is displayed at the interior mirror assembly (for example, a speedlimit display can be located in a chin or eyebrow portion of the mirrorcase, such as in the mirror reflector itself, or such as in a podattached to the interior mirror assembly), or can be displayed on anyvideo display of the present invention. More preferably, the actualspeed of the vehicle can be displayed simultaneously with and beside thelocal speed limit in-vehicle display and/or the difference or excessthereto can be displayed. Optionally, the wireless-based speed limittransmission system can actually control the speed at which a subjectvehicle travels in a certain location (such as by controlling an enginegovernor or the like) and thereby provide a vehicle speed controlfunction. Thus, for example, a school zone speed limit can be enforcedby transmission of a speed-limiting signal into the vehicle. Likewise,different classes of vehicles can be set for different speed limits forthe same stretch of highway. The system may also require driveridentification and then set individual speed limits for individualdrivers reflecting their skill level, age, driving record and the like.Moreover, a global positioning system (GPS) can be used to locate aspecific vehicle, calculate its velocity on the highway, verify what theallowed speed limit is at that specific moment on that specific stretchof highway, transmit that specific speed limit to the vehicle fordisplay (preferably at the interior rearview mirror that the driverconstantly looks at as part of the driving task) and optionally alertthe driver or retard the driver's ability to exceed the speed limit asdeemed appropriate. A short-range, local communication system such asenvisaged in the BLUETOOTH protocol finds broad utility in vehicularapplications, and particularly where information is to be displayed atthe interior mirror assembly or on any video display of the presentinvention, or where a microphone or user-interface (such as buttons toconnect/interact with a remote wireless receiver) is to be located atthe interior (or exterior) rearview mirror assembly. For example, atrain approaching a railway crossing may transmit a wireless signal suchas a radio signal (using the BLUETOOTH protocol or another protocol) andthat signal may be received by and/or displayed at the interior rearviewmirror assembly (or the exterior side view mirror assembly) or any videodisplay of the present invention. Also, the interior rearview mirrorand/or the exterior side view mirrors and/or any video display of thepresent invention can function as transceivers/displaylocations/interface locations for intelligent vehicle highway systems,using protocols such as the BLUETOOTH protocol. Protocols such asBLUETOOTH and the IEEE 802.11a wireless local area network standard thatpreferably uses a 5 Gigahertz frequency band and with a data transferrate of at least about 10 Mb/sec and more preferably at least about 30Mb/sec, as known in the telecommunications art, can facilitatevoice/data, voice over data, digital and analog communication andvehicle/external wireless connectivity, preferably using the interiorand/or exterior mirror assemblies astransceiver/display/user-interaction sites. Electronic accessories toachieve the above can be accommodated in any of the video displays/videomirrors/camera assemblies of the present invention, and/or in theinterior mirror assembly (such as in the housing disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/433,467, filed Nov. 4, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,326,613.

Furthermore, information displays may be incorporated which provideinformation to the driver or occupants of the vehicle, such as warningsrelating to the status of the passenger airbag or a train approachingwarning. Such a train approaching warning system alerts the driver ofthe vehicle of the eminent arrival of a train at a railroad crossing.Such a warning system can activate audible and/or visual alarms in thevehicle if a train is approaching. Such train warning displays mayoverride any existing displays so that the driver is fully alert to anypotential hazard. One suitable train control system is described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/561,023, filed Apr. 28, 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,553,308, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. Vehicle to road-side communicationantennas can be attached to railroad signs, crossing barriers, and thelike and can transmit to antennas mounted in the vehicle located such aswithin the interior rearview mirror of the vehicle or within an interiorcabin trim item or side exterior rearview mirror assembly. One suchtrack side communication system is available from Dynamic Vehicle SafetySystems of Amarillo, Tex., which detects signals from trains approachinga crossing and transmits these signals along the road to forewarn of arailroad crossing ahead.

In commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed on Feb. 5,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, information displays are providedwhich include information relating to vehicle or engine status, warninginformation, and the like such as information relating to oil pressure,fuel remaining, time, temperature, compass headings for vehicledirection, and the like, the disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. The passenger side air bag on/off signalmay be derived from various types of seat occupancy detectors such as byvideo surveillance of the passenger seat as disclosed in commonlyassigned PCT Pat. Application No. PCT/US94/01954, filed Feb. 25, 1994,published Sep. 1, 2004 as PCT Publication No. WO/1994/019212, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, or byultrasonic or sonar detection, infrared sensing, pyrodetection, weightdetection, or the like. Alternately, enablement/displayment of thepassenger side air bag operation can be controlled manually such asthrough a user operated switch operated with the ignition key of thevehicle in which assembly 10 is mounted as described in commonlyassigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/799,734, filed Feb. 12,1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,772, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In addition, the interior rearview mirror assembly may include a blindspot detection system, such as the type disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/799,734, filed Feb. 12, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.5,786,772, or rain sensor systems, for example rain sensor systems whichinclude windshield contacting rain sensors, such as described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,973,844 or non-windshield contacting rain sensors, such asdescribed in PCT International Application PCT/US94/05093, published asWO 94/27262 on Nov. 24, 1994, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The interior rearview mirror assembly may also incorporate one or moreuser actuatable buttons or the like for activating the variousaccessories housed in the assembly, for example an ONSTAR® system,HOMELINK® system, a remote transaction system, or the like. For example,one or more user actuatable buttons may be mounted at the chin area oreyebrow area for actuating, for example a video screen, or for selectingor scrolling between displays or for activating, for example, a light,including a map light which may be incorporated into the mirror casing.Furthermore, a dimming switch may be incorporated into the casing toprovide adjustment to the brightness of the video screen.

Referring to FIG. 6, the numeral 110 generally designates anotherembodiment of an interior rearview mirror assembly that incorporates apair of non-incandescent light source units/modules 116 of the presentinvention. Similar to the previous embodiment, interior rearview mirrorassembly 110 includes a casing 112 and a reflective element assembly114, which is housed in casing 112. Referring to FIG. 7, supported incasing 112 is a carrier 118, such as a circuit board. Carrier 118includes a pair of incandescent bulb holders 118 a and 118 b, which inthe illustrated embodiment comprise sockets. In addition, carrier 118includes projecting electrical connectors 120 which are adapted toconnect to the vehicle electrical system for powering the variouscomponents supported on carrier 118. As best seen in FIG. 9, carrier 118also include a plurality of user actuatable buttons 122, 124, 126. Forexample, user actuator buttons 122 and 126 may be used to control lightsource modules 116. User actuator button 124 may be used for otherfunctions, such as for controlling the mirror or an LED 130, which isalso mounted to carrier 118. For further details of LED 130 and carrier118 reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,245, which is incorporatedhereby reference in its entirety.

Light source modules 116 are of similar construction to light sourcemodules 16, with each light source module 116 including one or morenon-incandescent light sources 132, such as LEDs. As noted previously,bulb holders 118 a, 118 b comprise socket type holders. Therefore, inthis application each light source module 116 includes a base 131,similar in shape and size to a conventional incandescent bulb so thatlight source unit 116 can be plugged directly into holders 118 a and 118b. Light sources 132 are electrically connected together such that theirtotal forward operating voltage is at least 2 volts, more preferably atleast 4 volts, and most preferably in a range of 2 volts to 16 volts.

Referring to FIG. 9B, light sources 132 are mounted on a circuit board133 which include a non-incandescent light source circuit 134 withprojecting electrical connectors 134 a and 134 b, such as leads, whichcouple to base 131. Lead 134 a comprises a ground lead which couples theground contact of base 131 and lead 134 b comprises a power lead thatcouples to the power contact of base 131.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, casing 112 includes a pair of openings 112 aand 112 b through which light from light source modules 116 is directed.In this application given the angular orientation or mounting of lightsource modules 116, mirror assembly 110 may include reflectors 140 and142 so the light from light source modules 116 is directed, for exampledownwardly through openings 112 a and 112 b. In addition, mounted inopenings 112 a and 112 b are surrounds 144 and 146, which are providedfor aesthetic reasons. Alternately or in addition, surrounds 144 and 146may include optical surfaces for directing the light from light sourcemodules 116 in desired light patterns. Alternately, light sources 132may be oriented on circuit board 134 such they emit light in a desiredlight pattern.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing description that the lightsource module of the present invention may be packaged to provide aone-for-one replacement for a variety of different incandescent lightsources. In addition, for further details of other accessories ordevices that may be incorporated into mirror assembly 110 and, thefollowing mirror assemblies described below, reference is made to thefirst embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 10-14, the numeral 210 generally designates anotherembodiment of a mirror assembly that incorporates a non-incandescentlight source unit/module 216 of the present invention. Similar to theprevious embodiments, interior rearview mirror assembly 210 includes amirror casing 212 and a reflective element assembly 214. In contrast,mirror assembly 210 does not include a carrier for its electricalcomponents; instead, the components are hard-wired to a connector 226,described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, reflective element assembly 214 comprisesa prismatic reflective element, which is moved between day and nightview positions by a toggle 218. For further details of toggle 218references made herein to U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,994, which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety. For examples of suitable reflectiveelements for reflective element assembly 214, reference is made to theprevious embodiments.

As best seen in FIG. 11, casing 212 includes a pair of openings 212 aand 212 b in a bottom wall 212 c. In addition, mounted to casing 212 aretwo sets of bulb holders 220 a, 220 b and 222 a and 222 b. Bulb holders220 a, 220 b, 222 a and 222 b are connected to an incandescent lightsource power supply circuit 224, which is formed using a conventionalwire harness. Circuit 224 includes power supply plug 226 for connectingto the vehicle electrical system. Power plug 226 is also hard wired to apair of user actuatable buttons 226 and 228 which are optionallyprovided to control light source modules 216.

In the illustrated embodiment, each light source module 216 comprises acartridge style module with an elongate body and contacts 217 a and 217b formed or provided at opposed ends of the module. Similar to theprevious embodiments, light source module 216 includes one or morenon-incandescent light sources 232, such as LEDs, which are electricallycoupled so that their total forward operating voltage is approximatelyequal to the ignition voltage of the vehicle, such as 12 volts. In theillustrated embodiment, light sources 232 are mounted to a carrier 232a, such as circuit board. Alternately, light sources 232 may beconnected by a circuit 234 which includes current limiting element 236,such as a resister or diode or the like. In this manner, the totalforward turn-on voltage of the light sources 232 may range from about 2to 16 volts, as described in reference to the previous embodiments.Circuit 234 also optionally includes a polarity rectifier 238, whicheliminates the polarity of light source module 216. For example,polarity rectifier 238 may comprise a diode bridge rectifier. In thismanner, light source modules 216 may be inserted into bulb holders 220a, 220 b, 222 a, and 222 b in reversed positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, mirror assembly 210 includes a pair ofsurrounds 240 and 242 which straddle light source modules 216. Surrounds240 and 242 are optional and may be provided merely for aestheticreasons. In addition, mirror assembly 210 includes surrounds 244 and 246which are positioned over openings 212 a and 212 b in bottom wall 212 cof mirror casing 212. Again, surrounds 244 and 246 may be clearsurrounds without optical surfaces or elements and may be provided foraesthetic reasons only. Optionally, surrounds 240 and 242 may comprisesurrounds with optical features, such as refractive or reflectivesurfaces, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,994, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety. However, it should beunderstood that given the directionality of the LEDs comprising lightsources 232 of light source module 216, reflective surfaces are merelyoptional.

Similarly, surrounds 244 and 246 may include optical surfaces in orderto achieve a desired light pattern. For further details optional opticalsurfaces, for surrounds 244, 246, references made to U.S. Pat. No.5,673,994, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

It should be understood that the light source modules of the presentinvention may be incorporated into a wide variety of interior mirrorassemblies, which are tooled for incandescent light sources. Forexample, the non-incandescent light source module of the presentinvention may be incorporated into the mirror assemblies disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,649,756; 5,669,698; 5,813,745; or 5,671,996, which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties. In addition, aswill be more fully described below, the light source modules of thepresent invention may be incorporated into exterior mirror assemblieswhich are tooled for incandescent light sources.

For example, referring to FIG. 15, an exterior rearview mirror assembly310 incorporating a non-incandescent light source module 316 (FIG. 17)is illustrated. Mirror assembly 310 includes a mirror casing 312 and areflective element assembly 314. Reflective element assembly 314 maycomprise a glass metallic-coated reflective element, such as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,471 (the entire disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference), or a variable reflectance element,such as described in reference to the previous embodiments. In theillustrated embodiment, mirror casing 312 includes a neck 318 whichconnects to a sail 320. Sail 320 incorporates into a forward portion ofthe vehicle side window assembly and mounts mirror assembly 310 to thedoor of a vehicle. Optionally, neck 318 may comprise a fixed support ormay incorporate a powerfold connection or a break-away connection, suchas disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application filed Aug. 14, 2000, Ser.No. 60/225,128.

Mirror casing 312 is preferably a molded housing formed from a plasticmaterial and, more preferably, formed for a polypropylene or glass nylonfilled material. For example, mirror casing 312 may incorporate a skullcap design or may be formed from other suitable materials, such as apolypropylene, and painted or coated with a decorated finish, such asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/348,083, filed Jul. 6,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,014; and Ser. No. 09/489,322, filed Jan.21, 2000, which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties. In addition, mirror casing 312 may incorporate wind noisereduction features, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/482,199, filed Jan. 12, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,300, whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the illustrated embodiment, reflective element 314 is mounted on anactuator 340, which provides multi-axis positioning of reflectiveelement assembly 314. Actuator 340 may comprise electric actuator, amanual actuator, or a Boden cable actuator. For examples of suitableactuators, references made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,689 and applicationSer. No. 09/520,868, filed Mar. 7, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,548,which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, mounted in bottom wall 312 a of mirrorcasing 312 is a light module 342. Light module 342 is removablypositioned in casing 312 and includes a signal light assembly 344, whichincludes one or more light sources 346, such as light emitting diodes.In addition, light module 342 includes a security light 348, whichincorporates non-incandescent light source unit or module 316. Securitylight assembly 348 includes a socket type connection 350, which iscoupled via a switched line to the electrical system of the vehiclethrough wiring 352. Socket 350 is tooled and wired to receive anincandescent light source. In addition, security light assembly 348includes a reflector 354, which at least partially surrounds lightmodule 316. However, as fully described above, given the directionalityof light source module 316, reflector 354 may be omitted. For furtherdetails of light module 342, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No.5,879,074, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

In the illustrated embodiment, non-incandescent light source module 316includes one or more non-incandescent light sources 332, such as LEDs,which are connected by a non-incandescent light source circuit 334 sothat their total forward turn-on voltage is approximately equal to thevoltage supply of the vehicle electrical ignition system, typically12-volts. Alternately, the total forward turn-on voltage may be in arange of 2 volts to 16 volts, with circuit 334 incorporating a currentlimiting element or device, such as a series resistor or a diode, with avoltage drop in a range of 0.5 to 14 volts, and optionally a heat sinkto dissipate any heat built-up. For example, light sources 332 may bemounted to a circuit board, with light sources 332 electricallyconnected by circuit 334. In addition, circuit 334 may include apolarity rectifier, such as a diode bridge rectifier, which eliminatesthe polarity of light source module 316. In addition, in the illustratedembodiment, light source module 316 includes a base 330, which issimilar to a conventional bulb, so that it can be inserted into socket350 for a one-to-one replacement of a conventional incandescent bulb.

Referring to FIG. 18, a non-incandescent light source unit/module for416 of the present invention is incorporated into a security lightmodule for 418 of exterior rearview mirror assembly 410. Exteriorrearview mirror assembly 410 includes a mirror casing 412 and areflective element assembly 414. Mirror casing 412 includes a fixedportion 412 a and a movable portion 412 b which is mounted to fixedportion 412 a by a break-away connection or powerfold connection, aspreviously described. In the illustrated embodiment, security lightmodule 418 is mounted in movable portion 412 b and positioned in anopening 412 c of lower wall 412 d of mirror casing 412.

Referring to FIG. 19, security light module 418 includes a generallydomed-shaped housing 420, which defines a cavity 428 and an opening 422through which light source unit/module 416 directs light. Positioned incavity 418 is a pair conductive contacts 424 and 426. Conductivecontacts 424 and 426 are preferably brass stampings and include a pairof arms 428 and 430 for supporting a conventional festoon incandescentlight source.

In the illustrated embodiment, light source unit 416 includesfrusto-conical contacts 416 a and 416 b, which make electrical contactwith arms 428 and 430 of conductive contacts 424 and 426 when lightsource unit 416 is inserted into the socket formed by arms 428 and 430.Conductive contacts 424 and 426 include projecting connector portions424 a and 424 b, which extend exteriorly of housing 420 for connectingto the vehicle electrical system via a switched line. Security lightmodule 418 optionally includes a reflector 440 which straddles lightsource unit 416. However, it should be understood that reflector 440 maybe omitted since light source module 416 incorporates directional lightsources, such as LEDs.

Referring to FIG. 20, light source unit 416 includes one or more lightsources 432, such as LED's, which are arranged and electrically coupledby a non-incandescent light source circuit 434 illustrated in FIG. 21.Referring to FIG. 21, light sources 432 are interconnected by circuit434 in series such that their total forward turn-on voltage is generallyequal to the voltage supply of the electrical system of the vehicle,such as 12 volts. Optionally, circuit 434 may include a current limitingelement or device 434 a, such as a resister or diode, in which case thetotal forward turn-on voltage of light sources 432 may range, forexample, from about 2 volts to 16 volts, as noted in reference toprevious embodiments. Also, circuit 434 may include a polarity rectifier436, such as a diode bridge rectifier, which eliminates the polarity oflight source module 416, or may include a polarity indication elementsuch as an indent or mark to guide correct installation in the mirrorassembly. As previously described, light sources 432 may be commonlymounted with circuit 434 on a circuit board 435 (FIG. 20) and may bepackaged or formed using surface mount technology.

Referring again to FIG. 18, security light module 418 includes asurround 442 which may include optical surfaces 444 (FIG. 19) fordirecting light from light source module 416 in a desired pattern.However, as previously noted, given the directionality of light sources432, surround 442 may comprise a non-optical surround, with the lightpattern generated by the orientation of light sources 432.

Referring to FIG. 22, security light module 418 (that functions as aground illumination light) may be incorporated into fixed portion 412 aof mirror assembly 410′. For further details of security light module418, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,654, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

As previously noted, the light assembly of the present invention mayincorporate one or more high intensity LED's. Referring now to FIGS.23-35, the present invention also provides a vehicular lighting system,and in particular, a lighted vehicular mirror system that utilizes alighting assembly comprising, preferably, no more than three lightemitting diode light sources (more preferably, no more than two lightemitting diode light sources, and most preferably, a single lightemitting diode light source) to provide intense illumination (preferablywith a light intensity of at least about 3 lux, more preferably at leastabout 25 lux, most preferably at least about 50 lux) over a zone of areaat least about 1 square foot in dimension, more preferably at leastabout 3 square feet in dimension, and most preferably at least about 5square feet in dimension. Such a zone of intense (and preferablyuniform) illumination provided by the present invention preferablycomprises the lap area of a front seat occupant of a vehicle (such asthat of a driver of the vehicle or of a front passenger of the vehicle),with the lighting assembly of the invention being positioned as part ofan interior mirror assembly (attached to a front windshield of thevehicle or to a header of the vehicle, as known in the automotive mirrorart, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,139,172; 6,042,253;5,938,321; 5,813,745; 5,673,994; 5,671,996; 5,649,756; 5,178,448;4,807,096; 4,733,336 and 4,646,210, all of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference. Alternately, such a zone of intense (and preferablyuniform) illumination provided by the present invention preferablycomprises a ground area adjacent a front door (and, more preferably, afront door and a rear door) exterior to and at a driver-side of thevehicle or exterior to and at a passenger-side of the vehicle, with thelighting assembly of the invention being positioned as part of theexterior mirror assembly mounted to the side of the vehicle at which theground is being illuminated in order to establish a lighted securityzone at that side and adjacent the exterior of the vehicle when it isparked and when approached by a person desiring to enter the vehicle,such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602;6,152,590; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,671,996;5,669,699 and 5,497,305; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/866,398, filed May 25, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208; and Ser.No. 09/690,048, filed Oct. 16, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,839, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention includes use of a direct current (DC) step-downvoltage conversion element in order to allow a single LED and,preferably, a single high-intensity power LED (or at most two or threeindividual LEDs connected electrically in series or a plurality ofindividual LEDs connected electrically in parallel) to be efficientlypowered with maximum power transfer efficiency between the powering DCsource (typically the vehicle battery or ignition system) and the LEDbeing powered, and with minimum need to dissipate power as heat in aresistive element (such as a series power resistor capable ofdissipating power of the level of about 1 watt and higher, and sometimesin conjunction with a heat sink/heat dissipater) and/or to use the likeof pulse width modulation or similar circuitry to vary the duty cyclebeing applied to the individual LED being powered. An individual LEDtypically is powered at a forward DC voltage of less than about 5 voltswhereas vehicle battery/ignition powering sources used in automobilesand the like typically are at a significantly higher DC voltage level,such as the 12 volt level now common in automobiles and the 42 voltlevel planned for future vehicles. Many non-power LEDs in use inautomotive products such as lighted interior and lighted exterior mirrorassemblies are powered at about 2 to 3 volts and individually pass aforward current today of less than about 75 milliamps (and less thanabout 50 milliamps being common).

Referring to FIG. 23, a conventional, known LED powering system 1150comprises a voltage dropping series power resistor 1100 connected inseries with LED light source 1180. The vehicle battery/ignition voltagesource 1170 (typically around 12 volts nominal, though in the futurepossibly 42 volts nominal) is connected to ground 1190 across the seriescombination of resistor 1100 and LED 1180. The power (in watts) droppedby resistor 1100 is dependent on the difference of the voltage level ofvehicle battery/ignition voltage source 1170 (typically about 12 volts)and the forward voltage of LED 1180 (typically about 2-3 volts orthereabouts for LEDs currently in use) multiplied by the forward currentpassing through LED 1180 (and through series resistor 1100). Forexample, for a forward electrical current of 25 milliamps and a forwardvoltage across LED 1180 for powering of 2 volts, and connected to a 12volt vehicle battery/ignition voltage 1170, the power dissipated byseries resistor 1100 is 0.25 watts.

An improvement upon this is shown in FIG. 24. Improved LED poweringsystem 1250 comprises a direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversionelement 1200 connected with an LED light source 1280. A vehiclebattery/ignition voltage source 1270 (typically around 12 volts nominal,though in the future possibly 42 volts nominal) is provided as DC powerinput 1205 to direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element1200. Direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1200processes this input voltage 1205 and converts it to a lower outputvoltage 1210 (for example, the conversion element converts a 12 voltinput to a 2 volt output and hence has 6:1 (6 to 1) step-down ratio).Whereas the voltage (in volts) on output 1210 is lower (by a step-downratio such as, for example, 6:1) than the voltage on input 1205 ofdirect current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1200, theelectrical current (in amps) on output 1210 is correspondingly higher(by a step-up ratio such as, for example, 6:1) than the current on input1205 of direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1200.The power (in watts) dropped by direct current (DC) step-down voltageconversion element 1200 is significantly lower than that dropped byresistor 1100 of powering system 1150, discussed above. The step-downratio of direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1200is dependent on the ratio of the voltage level of vehiclebattery/ignition voltage 1270 (typically about 12 volts currently, butin some future vehicles, about 42 volts) to the forward voltage of LED1280 (typically about 2-3 volts or thereabouts for LEDs currentlycommercially available). For example, for a forward current of 25milliamps passing through LED 1280 and a forward voltage across LED 1280for powering of 2 volts, and connected to a 12 volt vehiclebattery/ignition voltage 1270, the step-down voltage ratio of directcurrent (DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1200 is about 6:1 andthe corresponding step-up current ratio is about 6:1 (with about 4milliamps at 12V entering direct current (DC) step-down voltageconversion element 1200 at input 1205 and about 2 volts at about 24milliamps exiting at output 1210).

A direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element andassociated circuitry suitable to utilize to power a singlehigh-intensity power LED of the present invention (or a series couple ofsuch LEDs or a series triplet of such LED and/or a parallel plurality ofsuch LEDs) is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/347,807, filed Jul. 2, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,248,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein. Switching regulators preferably used in the DC:DC step downpower supplies for high efficiency LEDs of the present inventionpreferably have a quiescent current drain of less than about 100milliamps, more preferably, less than about 75 milliamps, and mostpreferably, less than about 50 milliamps. For example, an LED lightsource powering circuit can include a National LM78S40 switchingregulator chip available from National Semiconductor of Santa Clara,Calif. or a MAX 1627 switching regulator available from Maxim Company,Sunnyvale, Calif. Also, DC to DC converter control circuits suitable topower a high-intensity power LED light source such as when used in alighted mirror assembly as described in this present invention areavailable from Motorola of Schaumburg, Ill. under the trade nameMC34063A series of monolithic control circuits. Such DC to DC convertersinclude an internal temperature compensated reference, a comparator, acontrolled duty cycle oscillator with an active current limit circuit, adriver, and a high current output switch. Operation is from 3 voltsinput to 40 volts input; output voltage is adjustable; there is a lowstandby current and an output switch current to 1.5 amps; frequencyoperation to 100 kHz; and a 2% precision reference.

Such direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion elements operateby a variety of circuitry means. For example (and without being bound bytheory), an incoming DC signal can be electronically chopped totransform into an alternating current (AC) signal, that in turn can bestepped down in voltage utilizing the inductive coupling phenomenapresent in an electrical AC transformer (and/or by use of capacitors),and the now stepped down AC signal can be rectified or otherwiseconverted back to a DC signal. In such a DC to DC voltage reduction, thevoltage is mainly reduced not by ohmic resistive drops but by inductivetransformation.

Also, within the context of the present invention, a singlehigh-intensity power LED comprises a single LED light source in acompact package or as an individual chip or circuit element (and with adiagonal size less than about 14 mm diagonal cross-sectional dimensionwhen viewed from the light emitting side; more preferably less thanabout 8 mm; and most preferably, less than about 5 mm) that illuminatesto emit a light beam when (powered at about 25 degrees Celsius orthereabouts) at least about 100 milliamps passes (i.e., conducts)through the LED element (more preferably when at least about 225milliamps passes through the LED element and most preferably when atleast 300 milliamps passes through the LED element), and with a luminousefficiency of at least about 1 lumen/watt, more preferably at leastabout 3 lumens/watt, and most preferably at least about 7 lumens/watt.Such high-intensity power LEDs, when normally operating, emit a luminousflux of at least about 1 lumen, more preferably at least about 5 lumensand most preferably at least about 10 lumens. For certain applicationssuch as ground illumination from lighted exterior mirror assemblies andinterior mirror map lights, such high-intensity LEDs preferably conductat least about 250 milliamps forward current when operated at a voltagein the about 2 volts to about 5 volts range, and emit a luminous flux ofat least about 10 lumens, more preferably at least about 15 lumens, evenmore preferably at least about 20 lumens, and most preferably at leastabout 25 lumens, preferably emitting white light.

The improved LED lighting system of the present invention has manyapplications inside the interior cabin and on the exterior body of avehicle. For example, improved vehicular lighting is provided by thepresent invention for illumination purposes and the like, and especiallyfor reading lights such as map reading lights, mirror-mountedturn-signal warning lights, mirror-mounted ground illumination/securitylights, instrumentation/console lighting and the like. For example, thepresent invention can be used in any of the video mirror assemblies,rearview mirror assemblies, camera assemblies and/or accessory modules(and/or in other vehicular accessories such as an exterior mirrorassembly-mounted ground illumination/security light or in an exteriormirror assembly-mounted turn indicator or brake indicator signal light)such as are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002,filed Feb. 26, 2001, by Schofield et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Also, the presentinvention can provide high-intensity LED light sources for cargolighting, such as in the bed of a pick-up truck, and whereby, when theowner of a pick-up truck approaches his/her pick-up truck, the rearcargo bed can be illuminated remotely, such as by transmission of asignal from the driver to the vehicle (using a keyless entry doorlock/unlock system such as is known in the automotive art), in order toactuate high-intensity LEDs (and/or other lighting such asnon-incandescent and incandescent strips and other lighting). Also, thedriver can activate such cargo lighting from the cabin of the vehicleand/or when a door opens in order to provide lighting for illuminationof the cargo bed area to assist use of this cargo bed when at night.

Single high-intensity power LEDs suitable to use in the presentinvention include high-intensity, high-current capability light emittingdiodes such as the high-flux LEDs available from LumiLeds Lighting,U.S., LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the SunPower Series High-Flux LEDtrade name. Such high-intensity power LEDs comprise a power packageallowing high-current operation of at least about 100 milliamps forwardcurrent, more preferably at least about 250 milliamps forward current,and most preferably at least about 350 milliamps forward current,through a single LED. Such high-current/high-intensity power LEDs (ashigh as 500 mA or more current possible, and especially with use of heatsinks) are capable of delivering a luminous efficiency of at least about1 lumen per watt, more preferably at least about 3 lumens per watt, andmost preferably at least about 5 lumens per watt. Such high-intensityLEDs are available in blue, green, blue-green, red, amber, yellow andwhite light emitting forms, as well as other colors. Such high-intensityLEDs can provide a wide-angle radiation pattern, such as an about 30degree to an about 160 degree cone. Typically, such high-intensity LEDsare fabricated using Indium Gallium Nitride technology. To assist heatdissipation and maintain the LED junction below about 130° Celsius (andmore preferably below about 100° Celsius and most preferably below about70° Celsius), a heat sink can be used. Preferably, such a heat sinkcomprises a metal heat dissipater (such as an aluminum metal heat sink)with a surface area dissipating heat of at least about 1 square inch,more preferably of at least about 2.5 square inches, and most preferablyof at least about 3.5 square inches. When used as, for example, a maplight assembly mounted in an interior rearview mirror assembly (such asin the mirror housing or in a pod attaching to the mirror mount to thevehicle), a single high-intensity power LED (for example, a single whitelight emitting LED passing about 350 mA and emitting light, andpreferably white light or any other color, with a luminous efficiency ofat least about 3 lumens per watt, and with a light pattern of about 120°or so) can be combined with a reflector element and a lens to form ahigh-intensity power LED interior light module capable of directing anintense light beam of light from an interior mirror assembly mounted toa windshield or header region of the vehicle to the lap area of a driveror a front-seat passenger in order to allow a reading function such as amap reading function and/or to provide courtesy or theatre lightingwithin the vehicle cabin. Also, a single high-intensity power LED (forexample, a single white light emitting LED or a red light emitting orany other colored light emitting diode passing about 350 mA and emittinglight, preferably white light or any other color, with a luminousefficiency of at least about 3 lumens per watt, and with a light patternof about 120° or so) can be combined with a reflector element and a lensto form a high-intensity LED security light module capable of directingan intense light beam of light (or any other color) from an exteriormirror assembly to illuminate the ground adjacent an entry door of thevehicle in order to provide a security lighting function. Also, a singlehigh-intensity power LED (for example, a single white light emitting LEDor a red light emitting or any other colored light emitting diodepassing about 350 mA and emitting white light with a luminous efficiencyof at least about 3 lumens per watt, and with a light pattern of about120° or so) can be combined with a reflector element and a lens (andoptionally with high-intensity and/or conventional near-IR lightemitting diodes), and be used in conjunction with a reversing or forwardparking camera mounted on the exterior of a vehicle (such as at alicense plate holder) in order to provide illumination for the, forexample, reverse-aid camera when reversing at night.

In addition, lighting provided in any of the rearview mirror assembliesor vehicle accessories in accordance with the present invention,including the video display assemblies, accessory modules, pods, compassmodules, exterior mirror security lighting assemblies, exterior mirrorturn signal assemblies or the like, may incorporate a removablenon-incandescent light source unit, such as described above.

Suitable LEDs for the light source unit of the present invention includea white light emitting light emitting diode.

Preferably, and as discussed above, the circuitry used to power theaccessories that include such a high-intensity, high-current (>100milliamps) power LED (or that includes a plurality of such LEDs)utilizes a direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element suchas described herein.

A high-intensity power LED light module 1300 of the present invention isshown in FIG. 25. Module 1300 comprises a high-intensity LED lightsource 1310 that emits a beam of light 1320, and preferably emits a beamof white light, when powered, such as when a vehicle battery voltage(such as 12 volts nominal or 42 volts nominal) or a vehicle ignitionvoltage is applied to terminal 1312 and when terminal 1314 is grounded.Terminals 1312, 1314 are in circuit connection with a direct current(DC) step-down voltage conversion element 1330 which steps down theapplied vehicle battery/ignition voltage level to the forward poweringvoltage (typically around 2-3 volts or thereabouts) required to causepower LED light source 1310 to emit light efficiently and intensely. Thestepped down output voltage of direct current (DC) step-down voltageconversion element 1330 is applied to LED light source 1310 to cause itto emit light beam 1320, and preferably with a luminous efficiency of atleast about 3 lumens/watt. When its powering circuit is operated atabout 25 degrees Celsius or thereabouts, LED light source 1310preferably passes at least about 100 milliamps, more preferably at leastabout 250 milliamps, and most preferably at least about 325 milliamps,when emitting with a luminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen perwatt, more preferably at least 4 lumens per watt, and most preferably atleast about 7 lumens/watt. LED 1310 is mounted to combined heatsink/reflector 1340 which serves the dual role of being both a heatsink/heat dissipater for heat generated at the light emitting diodejunction of LED light source 1310 and a reflector element to direct andshape light beam 1320. Optionally, and preferably, a heat sink compound,as known in the electronics art, can be used to thermally couple LEDlight source 1310 to heat sink/reflector 1340. Heat sink/reflector 1340includes heat dissipating elements 1341, 1342, 1343, 1344, 1345 (such asfins, ribs or other elements that increase radiative surface area and/orfacilitates convective heat exchange). Heat sink/reflector 1340preferably comprises a metal material with a high heat conductivity(such as copper or a copper alloy, aluminum, brass or the like). Theinner surface 1348 of heat sink/reflector 1340 is contoured andreflective to light (diffusely reflective and/or specularly reflective,and preferably highly specularly reflective, such as can be achieved bypolishing to a mirror-like finish and/or by coating with a thin filmmirror-reflector coating, such as by vacuum metalizing or byelectroplating, of silver, aluminum, silver alloy, aluminum alloy, orthe like) so as to help direct/shape light beam 1320. Light beam 1320passes through a lens 1350 (that may be a diffractive and/or refractiveoptical element, and that may comprise, for example, a Fresnel optic, abinary optic, a diffusing optic, a holographic optic, a sinusoidaloptic, or the like) where, preferably, it is further shaped/directed.Note that other locations for lens 1350 in module 1300 are contemplated.For example, lens 1350 can be at (and preferably abutting) LED lightsource 1310 at the apex region of the cavity formed by the walls of heatsink/reflector 1340.

Power LED light source 1310 preferably comprises a Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-MW1A white light emitting LED having (at a 25° Celsius junctiontemperature) a minimum forward voltage of 2.55 volts, a typical forwardvoltage of 3.42 volts, a maximum forward voltage of 3.99 volts, adynamic resistance of 1 ohm and a forward current of 350 milliamps, andavailable from Lumileds Lighting LLC of San Jose, Calif. Suchhigh-intensity power LED sources are mounted onto a metal-core (such asaluminum core) printed circuit board, allowing for ease of assembly,optimum cooling and accurate light center positioning, per themanufacturer's date sheet. Also, a Lambertian (low dome) or Batwinglight (high dome) distribution pattern is available and illumination isfast when powered (less than 100 nanoseconds). Total included viewingangle (the total angle at which about 90% of the total luminous flux iscaptured) is in the range of from about 110 degrees to about 160 degreesfor such Luxeon™ Star Power light sources. High-intensity power LEDs inthis series built with Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide (AlInGaP) emitred, red-orange or amber light beams; those built with Indium GalliumNitride (InGaN) emit white, cyan, green or blue light beams.

LED light module 1300 preferably forms a unitary light module that issealed against, and is impervious to, the outdoor elements (such asrain, road splash, dust, dirt, debris and the like). Thus, for example,LED light module 1300 can function as a removable map or reading lightin a lighted interior mirror assembly such as is described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,733,336, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Alternately, LED light module 1300 can function as a security lightmodule positioned in either the fixed portion of a breakaway groundillumination exterior mirror assembly or in the movable portion thathouses the exterior mirror reflective element, and as described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,276,821, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Lighted exterior mirrors that utilize several LED elements to functionas a turn signal indicator to signal to adjacent and approaching driversan intent to turn and/or change lanes are common, such as described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,139,171;6,280,068; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,671,996 and 5,497,305; andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/866,398, filed May 25, 2001, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208; and Ser. No. 09/690,048, filed Oct. 16, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,839, all of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference. An improved exterior mirror turn signal module 1400 of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 26. Exterior mirror turn signal module1400 includes a single high-intensity power LED light source 1410, whichis configured to optically couple with a light pipe element 1470. Lightpipe element 1470 comprises a plurality of five individual light pipes1471, 1473, 1475, 1477, 1479; each of which terminates in a respectiveangled terminal portion 1471 a, 1473 a, 1475 a, 1477 a, 1479 a, whichproject a plurality of individual light beams 1471 b, 1473 b, 1475 b,1477 b, 1479 b when single high-intensity power LED light source 1410 ispowered. Light pipe element 1470 is preferably constructed of an opticalpolymer material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic or CR-39, with arefractive index of about 1.4 to about 1.6 or thereabouts.

LED light source 1410 thermally couples with a heat sink 1440 in orderto dissipate heat generated at the LED junction of LED light source 1410when it is powered. Heat sink 1440 is preferably fabricated of a metalmaterial, such as described above with respect to heat sink 1340, ofhigh thermal conductivity. Optionally, heat sink 1440 includes anelectrically resistive portion 1450 that is connected in series with LEDlight source 1410, such that when a battery or ignition voltage of thevehicle is applied across this series combination, electricallyresistive portion 1450 functions as an electrical currentlimiter/voltage dropper for LED light source 1410. Electricallyresistive portion 1450 can comprise a metallic or a non-metallicresistive element/resistor, preferably of resistance less than about 150ohms, more preferably less than about 100 ohms, and most preferably inthe range of from about 20 ohms to about 70 ohms. By includingelectrically resistive portion 1450 as a portion of heat sink 1440(either as an appendage thereto or incorporated therein), heat sink 1440(that preferably has heat dissipating fins such as are described abovewith respect to heat sink 1340) can act as a heat sink both for powerdropped by LED light source 1410 itself as it passes its forward currentto emit light and can act as a heat sink for the power dropped by anycircuit element (such as resistive element 1450) connected between thevehicle power feed (usually 12 volts or thereabouts nominal batteryvoltage or around 13.8 volts nominal ignition voltage (i.e., usually a12-volt nominal battery/ignition voltage) and LED light source 1410.

Light module 1400 can be placed behind, and be movable with and viewablethrough, the exterior mirror reflective element in an exterior side viewmirror assembly, such as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,257,746;6,045,243; 5,788,357; 5,355,284 and 5,014,167, which are herebyincorporated herein by reference, so as to function as a rear-facing(i.e. toward the rear of the vehicle to which the exterior mirrorassembly is mounted) turn signal indicator that warns the driver ofanother vehicle overtaking the subject vehicle of the intent by thedriver of the subject vehicle to initiate a lane change. In this regard,the angled terminal portions 1471 a, 1473 a, 1475 a, 1477 a, 1479 a thatproject a plurality of individual light beams 1471 b, 1473 b, 1475 b,1477 b, 1479 b when high-intensity LED light source 1410 is powered maybe arranged in a particular pattern (such as an arrow pattern) so thatwhen the reflective element of theturn-signal-behind-the-reflective-element-equipped exterior mirrorassembly is viewed such as by the driver of an overtaking vehicle in aside lane, an illuminated geometric or defined pattern is viewed, suchas an arrow pointing away from the body side of the subject vehicle thatindicates/warns of a turn or lane change event in progress. Alternately,light module 1400 can be fixedly incorporated into the exterior mirrorassembly separate from, and not be movable with nor viewable through,the exterior mirror reflective element, such as is described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821; 6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,250,783;6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321; 5,671,996 and 5,497,305; andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/866,398, filed May 25, 2001, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208; and Ser. No. 09/690,048, filed Oct. 16, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,839, all of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference, so as to function as a rear-facing (i.e. toward the rearof the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted) turnsignal indicator that warns a driver of another vehicle overtaking thesubject vehicle of the intent by the driver of the subject vehicle toinitiate a lane change.

LED light source 1410 preferably comprises a Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-ML1A amber light emitting power LED having (at a 25 degree Celsiusjunction temperature) a minimum forward voltage of 2.25 volts, a typicalforward voltage of 2.85 volts, a maximum forward voltage of 3.27 volts,a dynamic resistance of 2.4 ohms and a forward current of 350 milliampsand available from Lumileds Lighting LLC of San Jose, Calif., orcomprises a Luxeon™ Star Power LXHL-MD1B red light emitting LED having(at a 25 degree Celsius junction temperature) a minimum forward voltageof 2.31 volts, a typical forward voltage of 2.95 volts, a maximumforward voltage of 3.39 volts, a dynamic resistance of 2.4 ohms and aforward current of 350 milliamps, and available from Lumileds LightingLLC of San Jose, Calif.

Also, a direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element (notshown in FIG. 26) can be used in conjunction with, or as a substitutefor, electrically resistive portion 1450 of light module 1400, in orderto reduce heat dissipation. Also, pulse width modulation can be used inthe circuitry powering LED light source 1410, also to reduce heatdissipation. Preferably, module 1400 is provided as a sealed, waterimpervious unitary module that is sealed against water incursion such asmight occur should an exterior mirror assembly equipped with module 1400pass through a car wash or be exposed to road splash or be used in rain.

Note also that the present invention, including an LED light module suchas module 1400 or any of the high-intensity power LEDs described aboveand herein, can be used to light, and to provide lighting from, anexterior door handle assembly on a vehicle, such as is disclosed in U.S.provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/302,099, filed on Jun. 30, 2001, byHuizenga, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 27. Anexterior mirror assembly turn signal module 1500 includes a singlehigh-intensity power LED light source 1510 (such as Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-MD1 red light emitting LED or, preferably, the Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-ML1A amber light emitting LED described above) that emits lightinto, and preferably optically couples with, a light conduit member1550. Module 1500 is adapted to be incorporated into an exterior mirrorassembly, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,280,069; 6,276,821;6,176,602; 6,152,590; 6,149,287; 6,139,172; 6,086,229; 5,938,321;5,671,996 and 5,497,305; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/866,398, filed May 25, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208; and Ser.No. 09/690,048, filed Oct. 16, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,839, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and is adapted forconnection with a turn signal circuit of the vehicle in order to emit awarning light to other road users of intent to make a turn/change a laneby a driver who actuates a turn signal switch/stalk in the subjectvehicle equipped with module 1500 in at least one of (and preferablyboth of) its exterior side view driver-side and passenger-side mirrorassemblies.

Light conduit member 1550 is fabricated of a light-transmitting opticalpolymer such as polycarbonate or acrylic, and it is physically andoptically configured to direct a light beam 1560 forward of the vehicle(and so as to constitute a turn signal indicator signal visible todrivers approaching the vehicle from the front (i.e. traveling in adirection opposite to the direction in which the subject vehicleequipped with module 1500 is traveling)). Member 1550 also includes aportion 1565 that is physically and optically configured to direct alight beam 1580 rearward of the vehicle (and so as to constitute a turnsignal indicator signal visible to a driver approaching/overtaking thevehicle from the rear (i.e. traveling in the same direction in which thesubject vehicle equipped with module 1500 is traveling)) such as in ablind spot of the reflective element of the particular exterior mirrorassembly in which member 1500 is included. In this regard, portion 1565terminates at angled terminal portion 1570 adapted to direct light beam1580 generally rearwardly and laterally away from the body side of thevehicle equipped with module 1500, and so as not to be substantiallyvisible to the driver of the subject vehicle equipped with module 1500.

Module 1500 may further include a heat sink 1540 and a DC step-downvoltage conversion element 1530, which are preferably similar to heatsink 1340 and conversion element 1330, discussed above.

FIG. 28 describes a combined ground illumination/turn-signal indicatorsystem 1600 suitable to use in an exterior mirror assembly of anautomobile, and especially in smaller-sized exterior mirror assemblies,such as are used on, for example, a MY2002 Honda Accord or a MY2002Toyota Camry or a MY2002 Acura Legend or a MY2002 Ford Taurus/MercurySable, and similar-sized passenger sedan vehicles. A lighting module1650 comprises a plurality of five individual non-power LEDs 1620, 1622,1624, 1626, 1628 (and that each, preferably, pass less than about 75milliamps forward current when powered, more preferably each less thanabout 50 milliamps, and most preferably each less than about 30milliamps) configured to emit angled light beams 1620 a, 1622 a, 1624 a,1626 a, 1628 a generally rearwardly, horizontally and laterally awayfrom the body side of the vehicle equipped with module 1650, and so asnot to be substantially visible to the driver of the subject vehicleequipped with module 1650, and constituting a turn signal indicatorsignal visible to a driver approaching/overtaking the vehicle from therear (i.e. traveling in the same direction in which the subject vehicleequipped with module 1650 is traveling) such as in a blind spot of thereflective element of the particular exterior mirror assembly thatmodule 1650 is included in. Such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,669,705, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Note that beams 1620 a, 1622 a, 1624 a, 1626 a, 1628 a project from theexterior mirror assembly generally horizontally to the road surface uponwhich the vehicle equipped with module 1650 is traveling. Module 1650 isoptionally, and preferably, equipped with LED light source 1630 that isadapted to project light beam 1632 generally horizontally and directedaway from the body side of the vehicle (and so function as a side-markerturn signal) and/or is equipped with LED light source 1640 that isadapted to project light beam 1642 generally horizontally and forwardlyin the direction of travel of the vehicle equipped with module 1650 (andso function as a front turn signal).

Module 1650′ further includes a security light unit 1610′. As best seenin FIG. 29, security light assembly 1610′ projects a light beam 1615′that is directed generally downward and at least generally rearward fromthe bottom of the driver-side or passenger-side exterior mirror assemblyequipped with module 1650′ when mounted on the exterior of a vehicle (soas to illuminate the ground adjacent at least the front door andpreferably adjacent the front and rear door of the side of the vehicleon which the exterior mirror assembly equipped with module 1650′ ismounted, in order to create a lighted security zone adjacent that sideof the vehicle). Security light assembly 1610′ preferably comprises asingle high-intensity power LED light source, and preferably a singlehigh-intensity white light emitting LED light source such as the Luxeon™Star Power LXHL-MW1A white light emitting diode described above, andpreferably includes a heat sink and/or a reflector 1690′ and/or a lens1696′, such as described above in connection with LED light module 1300.An electronic element 1695′ (that can comprise a load-dropping seriespower resistor and/or a direct current (DC) step-down conversion elementand/or pulse width modulation circuitry) can be included in module 1610′to allow connection of the preferred single LED light source in securitylight assembly 1610′ to the vehicle battery/ignition power supply(typically 12 volts DC nominal). Electronic element 1695′ preferablycomprises an MC34063A control circuit or a National LM78S40 switchingregulator or a MAX 1627 switching regulator.

Module 1650 preferably includes a unitary connector 1660 (FIG. 28) thatallows connection of turn signal indicator LEDs 1620, 1622, 1624, 1626,1628 and security light assembly 1610 to the vehicle wiring (so as, forexample, to bring in the vehicle battery/ignition line and ground lineto the electrical/electronic elements of module 1650) as asingle-point-of-connect, thus facilitating electrical hook-up to thevehicle (such as by a single multi-pin plug/socket connection).

Module 1650 is preferably incorporated into an exterior mirror assemblyas shown at 1750 in FIG. 30 (and such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,276,821 and 5,669,705, which are hereby incorporated herein byreference). A lighted exterior mirror system 1700 comprises a lightedexterior mirror assembly 1775 that includes a fixed portion 1725 adaptedfor attachment to vehicle exterior body portion 1780 and a movableportion 1778 that, preferably, includes a break-away joint to fixedportion 1725 (such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,659, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference). Movable portion 1778 includesa housing portion 1723 that includes an exterior mirror reflectiveelement 1730 (and preferably an electrochromic mirror reflectiveelement, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,245,262; 6,154,306;6,002,511; 5,910,854; 5,724,187; 5,668,663; 5,611,966; 5,500,760;5,424,865; 5,239,405 and 5,233,461, all of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference) that is mounted on an electrically-operatedactuator (not shown) and that is located in a cavity 1770 formed by thewalls of housing 1723. Module 1750 attaches to a lower portion ofmovable portion 1778 and comprises individual LED turn signal indicators1720, 1722, 1724, 1726, 1728 (that each project a light beam generallyhorizontally and laterally away from body portion 1780 when the driveractuates a turn signal circuit of the vehicle, and that each,preferably, pass less than about 75 milliamps when powered, morepreferably each less than about 50 milliamps and most preferably eachless than about 30 milliamps) and further comprises a singlehigh-intensity power LED security light assembly 1753 that projects aground illumination light beam 1754 generally downwardly and at leastrearwardly in order to create a lighted security zone, as describedabove with respect to security light assembly 1610′. Optionally, insteadof single high-intensity power LED security light assembly 1753 (or inaddition to), a single high-intensity power LED light module 1764(preferably such as described in connection with module 1300 and thatemits a ground illumination beam 1765 when powered in order to create alighted security zone at entrances/exits to the vehicle equipped withassembly 1775) can be included in fixed portion 1725 of exterior mirrorassembly 1775.

Note the use of an all-LED lighting system such as in module 1650 andmodule 1750 and in particular the combination of a plurality ofindividual lower-intensity (typically emitting less than 0.75 lumensand, more typically less than 0.5 lumens), lower current (less than 50mA typically) non-power LEDs to form a turn signal indicator assemblyand a compact (preferably less than about 20 mm cross-sectionaldiameter, more preferably less than about 15 mm, and most preferablyless than about 10 mm) single high-intensity (luminous efficiencytypically greater than about 1 lumen/watt, more preferably greater thanabout 3 lumens/watt, and most preferably greater than about 7lumens/watt), high current (greater than 200 milliamps typically) powerLED security light assembly in a common housing and forming a unitarysealed module is particularly well suited for exterior mirror assembliesof restricted size, and is particularly well suited for use in exteriormirror assemblies on mid-sized and compact sedan vehicles, where thewidth of the part of the mirror assembly that houses the exterior mirrorreflective element has a width less than about 7.5 inches, morepreferably less than about 6.5 inches, and most preferably less thanabout 5.5 inches. Also, in order to provide a compact combined turnsignal/security light module for incorporation into an exterior mirrorassembly, the combination of single high-intensity power LED sourcebehind a linear row of lower-intensity individual non-power LED turnsignal indicators, as best can be seen in FIG. 28, is advantageous.

Note also that a single high-intensity power LED turn signal assembly,such as those described above in connection with system 1400 and system1500 can be combined with a single high-intensity power LED securitylight assembly (such as described in connection with module 1300) into acompact, sealed, unitary module that can be incorporated into anexterior mirror assembly.

A single high-intensity power LED lighting system 1800 suitable to usein the interior of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 31. An interior mirrorassembly 1810 comprises a mirror housing 1808 that includes an interiormirror reflective element 1809 (preferably, an electrochromic reflectiveelement). Mirror housing 1808 is pivotally adjustable about mirrorsupport 1807 that is a two-ball support comprising two pivot joints 1804a, 1804 b and a mirror mount 1805 that attaches via mirror mountingbutton 1803 to windshield portion 1802. A high-intensity single LEDlight module 1820 is included in the interior cavity formed by the wallsof housing 1808 (and located at least partially behind reflectiveelement 1809). Light module 1820 preferably includes a singlehigh-intensity power LED light source 1850 that preferably is a whitelight emitting high-intensity LED such as the Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-MW1A white light emitting diode described above. Light emitted byLED source 1850 (when powered) is shaped and directed by reflector 1840and/or lens 1822 (as described above with respect to module 1300) toform light beam 1885 that preferably is of an intensity such as toilluminate a roughly 1 foot by 1 foot zone (such as at a lap area of adriver or front seat passenger in a vehicle in which mirror assembly1810 is mounted) at a distance of about 20-40 inches and to an averagedlight intensity of at least about 30 lux, more preferably at least about50 lux, and most preferably at least about 75 lux. Such a high intensitysingle LED can function as a map light or reading light or courtesylight for a front seat occupant of the vehicle. LED light source 1850 isin thermal contact with a heat sink 1860 (fabricated of materials andpreferably with heat dissipating elements, as previously described withrespect to heat sink 1340). Vehicle battery/ignition power is providedto light source 1850 via a series power resistor 1870 that preferablyhas a power rating of at least about 2 watts, more preferably at leastabout 3 watts and most preferably at least about 4 watts. Preferably,heat sink 1860 functions as a heat sink/heat dissipater for heatgenerated within series power resistor 1870. Optionally, a directcurrent (DC) step-down voltage conversion element (such as an MC34063Acontrol circuit or a National LM78S40 switching regulator or a MAX 1627switching regulator) can be used as an alternate to, or in addition to,series power resistor 1870.

A single high-intensity power LED lighting system 1900 suitable to usein the interior of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 32. An interior mirrorassembly 1910 comprises a mirror housing 1908 that includes an interiormirror reflective element 1909 (preferably, an electrochromic reflectiveelement). Mirror housing 1908 is pivotally adjustable about mirrorsupport 1907 that is a single-ball support comprising a single pivotjoint 1904 and a mirror mount 1905 that attaches via a mirror mountingbutton 1903 to a windshield portion 1902. Note that, alternately, aheader mounting to a header portion of the vehicle interior above thefront windshield, as known in the automotive mirror art, can be used,without affecting the scope of the present invention. A singlehigh-intensity LED light module 1920 is included in the interior cavityformed by the walls of housing 1908 (and preferably located at leastpartially behind reflective element 1909). Light module 1920 preferablyincludes a single high-intensity power LED light source 1950 thatpreferably is a white light emitting high-intensity LED such as theLuxeon™ Star Power LXHL-MW1A white light emitting diode described above.Light emitted by LED source 1950 (when powered) is shaped and directedby reflector 1940 and/or lens 1922 (as described above with respect tomodule 1300) to form light beam 1985 that preferably is of an intensitysuch as to illuminate a roughly 1 foot by 1 foot zone (at a lap area ofa driver or front seat passenger in a vehicle in which mirror assembly1910 is mounted) to an averaged light intensity of at least about 30lux, more preferably at least about 50 lux, and most preferably at leastabout 75 lux. Such a high intensity single LED can function as a maplight or reading light or courtesy light for a front seat occupant ofthe vehicle. LED light source 1950 is in thermal contact with a heatsink 1960 (fabricated of materials and preferably with heat dissipatingelements as previously described with respect to heat sink 1340) that iscombined with reflector 1940. Vehicle battery/ignition voltage and poweris provided to light source 1950 via plug terminals 1971, 1972 thatconnect to a direct current (DC) step-down voltage conversion element1970 (such as an MC34063A control circuit or a National LM78S40switching regulator or a MAX 1627 switching regulator) that in turnconnects to and feeds power (at a voltage typically in the about 1.5-5volts range and at a current greater than about 100 milliamps, morepreferably at least about 200 milliamps, and most preferably at leastabout 300 milliamps) to high-intensity LED light source 1950.

The system 1900′ shown in FIG. 33 is similar to that shown in FIG. 32,but with the high-intensity LED light module 1920′ of system 1900′positioned in the mirror support 1907′ (sometimes referred to as themirror bracket) of interior mirror assembly 1910′, and adapted toproject an intense beam 1985′ of, preferably, white light down towards alap area of an occupant of a front seat occupant of the vehicle.

Note that an LED light module such as described above could be includedin a pod attaching to the interior mirror assembly or in an accessorymodule, such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,708,410; 5,576,687;5,255,442; 4,930,742 and 4,807,096; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood from the foregoing that the present inventionprovides an improved non-incandescent light source unit/module suitablefor use in a vehicle accessory, such as a lighted interior mirrorassembly or a lighted exterior mirror assembly, including a groundillumination exterior mirror assembly, and in other interior lightingapplications such as dome lights, rail lights, reading lights, or vanitylighting in a sun visor. The unit is provided as a single or modularassembly that, preferably, can be directly and releasably mounted in thevehicle accessory, such as those disclosed in U.S. provisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/263,680, filed Jan. 23, 2001; and Ser. No.60/243,986, filed Oct. 27, 2000, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

It should be understood from the foregoing that the present inventionprovides a high-intensity non-incandescent light source unit/modulethat, optionally, provides a one-for-one replacement for an incandescentlight source in a vehicle accessory, such as a lighted interior mirrorassembly or a lighted exterior mirror assembly, including a groundillumination exterior mirror assembly, and in other interior lightingapplications such as dome lights, rail lights, reading lights, or vanitylighting in a sun visor. The high-intensity LED lighting unit isprovided as a single or modular assembly that can be directly andreleasably plugged into a socket of an incandescent light sourcecircuit, and be powered thereby, or can otherwise be incorporated intothe vehicle accessory. Alternately, the light source unit/module of thepresent invention can be connected into other circuits that areconnected to the vehicle ignition voltage supply. Furthermore, sinceLEDs do not typically generate the heat associated with incandescentlight sources, more sensitive electronics which have either beenheretofore relegated to exterior locations of the interior rearviewmirror assembly, or to less desirable locations within the mirrorassembly, may be located at more optimal positions within the mirrorcasing. Moreover, the mirror casing space proximate to the light sourceunit may be used to house heat sensitive devices, such as electronics.

Also, the present invention can be used for lighting for illuminationpurposes and the like, and especially for reading lights such as mapreading lights, or for instrumentation/console lighting, provided invideo mirror assemblies, rearview mirror assemblies, camera assembliesand/or accessory modules (and/or in other vehicular accessories, such asan exterior mirror assembly-mounted ground illumination/security lightor in an exterior mirror assembly-mounted turn indicator or brakeindicator signal light). Such accessories may include thehigh-intensity, high-current capability light emitting diodes such asthe high-flux LEDs available from LumiLeds Lighting, U.S., LLC of SanJose, Calif. under the SunPower Series High-Flux LED trade namedescribed above.

Suitable LEDs for the light sources of the present invention include awhite light emitting light emitting diode, such as described in U.S.provisional Applications, Ser. No. 60/263,680, filed Jan. 23, 2001; Ser.No. 60/243,986, filed Oct. 27, 2000; Ser. No. 60/238,483, filed Oct. 6,2000; Ser. No. 60/237,077, filed Sep. 30, 2000; Ser. No. 60/234,412,filed Jul. 21, 2000; Ser. No. 60/218,336, filed Jul. 14, 2000; and Ser.No. 60/186,520, filed Mar. 2, 2000; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268; and Ser.No. 09/585,379, filed Jun. 1, 2000, all of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties, including a thermostable LED,which emits the same color light even when the temperature varies. Thus,regardless of the interior or exterior temperature of the vehicle and/orof the accessory equipped with the thermostable non-incandescent lightemitting diode source, the same color light is radiated. Such athermostable white light emitting non-incandescent light emitting diodesource can incorporate a trio of red, green, and blue fluorescentmaterials that together create white light when struck by 380 nmwavelength light from a gallium-nitride LED, and is available fromToyoda Gosei Co. and Toshiba Corp of Nagoya, Japan.

One suitable white light emitting diode (LED) that is thermostable isavailable from Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. of Irvine,Calif., Part Number: TLWA1100. The thermostable white-light LEDintegrates multiple colored phosphors and a short peak wavelength(preferably, approximately 380 nanometers (nm) in peak spectral outputintensity) light-emitting diode junction in a phosphor-mixed transparentresin package to achieve a high luminosity, low power consumption lightsource. Such thermostable LEDs adopt a technological approach differingfrom that used in conventional LEDs. Light emission in the visiblewavelength band is controlled by excited phosphors, not by usingtemperature changes in the LED to achieve a change in color output. Thefact that the LED emission does not directly determine the color bringsadvantages in overall controllability and wavelength stability.Incorporated in vehicular accessories such as those disclosed above, thethermostable diode achieves improved tonic reproduction and enhancedcolor durability during temperature shifts. Such thermostable LEDsutilize a short wavelength light source by reducing the indium in anindium-doped GaN emission layer. This excites red, green, and blue (RGB)phosphors in the transparent resin of the device package to output whitelight. The RGB balance of the phosphor layer determines the outputcolor, and different colored output can be achieved through modifiedphosphor balance. The emission light from the LED itself does notdirectly contribute to the white color. The phosphors used in the newLED offer excellent performance in terms of operating temperature rangeand color yield. Specifications of such thermostable white LEDs includea compact package (3.2×2.8 millimeter), provided in a Surface MountDevice (SMD). Luminosity is typically about 100 millicandela (mcd) at 20mA and luminous flux/electrical watt is about 4.5-5.0 lumens per watt at20 mA. Correlated color temperature is about 6,500-9,000K. Operatingtemperature is about −40 degrees Celsius -100 degrees Celsius andstorage temperature is about −40 degrees-100 degrees Celsius.

Depending on the application, LEDs emitting a colored light can be used,such as high-intensity amber and reddish orange light emitting diodesources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizingdouble hydro junction AlGaAs/GaAs Material Technology, such as veryhigh-intensity red LED lamps (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101 available fromHewlett Packard Corporation of Palo Alto, Calif., or transparentsubstrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) MaterialTechnology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation ofPalo Alto, Calif. Also, blue can be used, or a combination of individualdifferent colored diodes, such as red, blue, white, green, amber, orangeetc. can be used with color mixing thereof to form a desired color or todeliver a desired local intensity of illumination as noted above. Othersuitable white emitting light-emitting diodes are available from NichiaChemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan and from Cree Research Inc., ofDurham, N.C. For example, a white light emitting diode is available fromNichia Chemical Industries of Tokyo, Japan under Model Nos. NSPW 300AS,NSPW 500S, NSPW 310AS, NSPW 315AS, NSPW 510S, NSPW 515S and NSPW WF50S,such as is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/448,700,filed Nov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,925, and Ser. No.09/244,726, filed Feb. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Avariety of constructions are used including GaAsP on GaP substrate,gallium aluminum phosphide, indium gallium nitride, and GaN on a SiCsubstrate. Optionally, a plurality of LEDs, such as a cluster of two,three, four, six, eight or the like LEDs (each of the same color or thecluster comprising different colored LEDs), can be used to target andilluminate a local area for higher illumination at that area, such asmay be useful in a map light or as a reading light or as an interiorlight or as an illumination source for an interior vehicle cabin-mountedand monitoring camera (most preferably illuminating the target area withwhite light). Such a cluster of high efficiency LEDs can be mounted atthe mirror mount so as to project an intense pattern of light generallydownwardly into the vehicle cabin for purposes of map reading, generalillumination, courtesy illumination and the like. Also, a cluster ofLED's, preferably including at least one white emitting LED and/or atleast one blue emitting LED, can be mounted in a roof portion, sideportion or any other portion of the vehicle cabin to furnish domelighting, rail lighting, compartment lighting and the like. Use of whiteemitting LEDs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,590, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As described above in connection with system 1400, it is sometimesdesirable to mount a signal light behind the exterior mirror reflectiveelement in the exterior mirror assembly, and such as is described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,166,848; 6,257,746; 6,045,243 and 5,788,357, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference. Such incorporation of a signallight assembly such that the turn signal indicator light beam passesthrough the reflector of the reflective element (either by creating alocal high transmission window in the reflector coating of the reflectorof the exterior reflective element or by using a dichroic reflector) hasthe disadvantage of requiring a specialized reflective element speciallyadapted for this purpose. This approach is particularly disadvantageousfor electrochromic exterior mirror reflective elements as dimming of theelectrochromic medium in response to detected glare can also attenuatethe intensity of the signal light beam(s) passing through theelectrochromic medium.

An improved system 2000 whereby a turn signal element can be included inan exterior mirror reflective element assembly without the abovedisadvantages is shown in FIG. 34. An exterior mirror reflective elementassembly 2150 comprises a bezel frame element 2100 (that typicallycomprises a molded polymeric structure, such as of a polypropylenematerial or an ABS material or an ASA material or a nylon material orthe like). Exterior mirror reflective element assembly 2150 furthercomprises a principal exterior mirror reflective element 2120 (thatprovides the driver principally with a rearward field of view of othervehicles approaching from the rear in the side lane adjacent to the sideof the vehicle that the exterior mirror assembly equipped with assembly2150 is mounted to) and an auxiliary reflective element 2130 adapted toprovide the driver with a field of view that extends laterally beyondthat provided by reflective element 2120, and so as to function as ablind-spot mirror element. Exemplary constructions and materialssuitable to use in assembly 2150 are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/478,315, filed Jan. 6, 2000, by Lynam et al.,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,451; and Ser. No. 09/745,172, filed Dec. 20,2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,712, which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

Bezel frame element 2100 further includes a plurality of turn signalindicator elements 2102′, 2104′, 2106′, 2108′, 2110′, preferably locatedat a bezel frame element portion 2132 that separates and demarcatesauxiliary reflective element 2130 (that preferably comprises awide-angle mirror element and comprises a convex or asphericmetallic-reflective element, such as a chromium coated, bent glass orplastic substrate) from principal reflective element 2120 (that may be aflat, convex or aspheric mirror element, and that preferably comprisesan electrochromic mirror element). Turn signal indicator elements 2102′,2104′, 2106′, 2108′, 2110′ preferably comprise individual redlight-emitting or amber light emitting LEDs such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,276,821 and 5,371,659, the entire disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein. Turn signal indicatorelements 2102′, 2104′, 2106′, 2108′, 2110′ are preferably mounted inbezel element 2100 at an angle so that the light beams emitted (beams2102 a′, 2104 a′, 2106 a′, 2108 a′, 2110 a′ as shown in FIG. 35) aredirected horizontally and laterally away from the side of the vehicle(preferably at an angle of at least about 15 degrees to the longitudinalaxis of the vehicle) to which the exterior mirror assembly equipped withassembly 2150 is mounted, and so as not to be substantially visible tothe driver of the subject vehicle (and so distract when operated atnight), but be visible to a driver of another vehicle overtaking thesubject vehicle from the rear.

Assembly 2150 is preferably supplied to an exterior mirror assemblymanufacturer by a mirror reflective element manufacturer as a sealedmodule that includes the mirror reflective element(s), any load droppingresistor used in conjunction with the LED turn signal light source(s),any heater pad(s) used in association with the reflective element(s),any interconnection wiring and connector(s), and any backing plateelement that attaches to a mirror adjustment mechanism such as anelectrically-operated actuator, as is conventional. Thus, a unitarymodule can be supplied that allows an automaker choose to include a turnsignal indicator into an exterior mirror assembly while impactingsubstantially only the mirror reflective element that detachablyattaches to a mirror-adjustment mechanism.

As an alternate to using a plurality of lower-intensity, lower-currentindividual non-power LEDs as described above, a single high-intensity,high-current power LED can be used along with light piping, heat sinkingand low heat-dissipation circuitry such as are described above. Also,turn signal indicator light sources can optionally be placed inalternate, or additional, locations in bezel frame 2100, such as portion2133, 2134 or 2135 or elsewhere around bezel frame 2100. Further, aportion (such as portion 2132) or all of bezel frame element 2100 can befabricated of a colored (such as red or amber), light-transmissivematerial (such as is conventionally used for automotive exterior brakeand turn lights), and with the turn signal light sources located in thebezel element radiating from behind and through this colored,light-transmissive material. Also, instead of the dual reflectiveelement assembly shown in FIG. 34, a single reflective element assembly(such as an electrochromic reflective element and assembly disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein) can be used, and with the individualturn signal light sources being located in the bezel that holds thereflective element into the reflective element assembly.

Also, where a heater pad (such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,446,576 and 5,151,824, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein) is used in connection with an exteriorrearview mirror reflector in an exterior mirror assembly equipped with aLuxeon™ Star Power high-intensity, high-current power LED system asdisclosed herein, at least a portion of the resistive path/heaterelement that is comprised in such exterior mirror heater pads (that aretypically used for defrosting ice and the like accumulated on theexterior of the mirror reflector during sub-zero temperatures) can beelectrically connected in series with the high-intensity power LED usedso that the heater pad serves as a voltage-dropping element for thepower LED and so that any heat being dissipated is beneficially used toheat the exterior mirror reflector. In this regard, and referring toFIG. 37, improved lighted exterior mirror system 3700 comprises exteriormirror assembly 3780 (that attached to vehicle side body portion 3785).Exterior mirror assembly 3780 includes a ground illumination lightsource 3710 and a mirror reflective element 3782 that is heated byheater element 3784 (typically a PTC heater pad). Ground illuminationlight source 3710 illuminates when actuated by control 3750 (that islocated in the vehicle) but only if not locked-out by lock-out 3730.Control 3750 actuates light source 3710 upon receipt of a signal fromactuator 3760 (that, for example, may be a hand-held key fob thatwirelessly communicates, such as by RF or IR communication, with control3750 and such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,659, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; or it may be anactuator responsive to the proximity of approach of a person to thevehicle when parked or in response to actuation of a passive entrysystem of the vehicle). Once actuated by control 3750 (and assuming notlocked-out by lock-out 3730 so as to prevent inadvertent actuation whenthe vehicle is being normally operated on a highway and not parked),light source 3710 illuminates to create a lighted security zone adjacentat least the front door on the vehicle side to which assembly 3780 ismounted until timeout 3740 times out (a timeout period of about 20 to 60seconds typically, or longer if desired). Preferably, light source 3710comprises a light emitting diode and preferably, a high-intensity,high-current capability power light emitting diode such as a high-fluxLED available from LumiLeds Lighting, U.S., LLC of San Jose, Calif.under the Sun Power Series High-Flux LED trade name. Such high intensityLEDs comprise a power package allowing high current operation of atleast about 100 milliamps forward current, more preferably at leastabout 250 milliamps forward current, and most preferably at least about350 milliamps forward current through a single LED. Such highcurrent/high intensity LEDs (as high as 500 mA or more current possible,and especially with use of heat sinks) are capable of delivering aluminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen per watt, more preferablyat least about 3 lumens per watt, and most preferably at least about 5lumens per watt. For applications such as ground illumination fromexterior mirror assemblies and map/reading lighting from interior mirrorassemblies or from windshield-mounted accessory modules such aswindshield electronic modules or for groundillumination/camera-field-of-view illumination in association withvideo-based reverse-aids systems or park-aid systems or tow hitch-aidsystems, it is preferable to use a single high-intensity power LEDsource having a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens/watt;more preferably at least about 15 lumens/watt; and most preferably atleast about 20 lumens/watt, with such single high efficiency power LEDlight source preferably being provided in a module that includes a heatsink/heat dissipater and most preferably, that further includes a powerregulator such as a series power resistor and most preferably, a DC toDC voltage converter. Such high efficiency power LEDs are available fromLumiLeds Lighting, U.S., LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the Sun PowerSeries High-Flux LED trade name, for example. Preferably LED lightsource 3710 is connected in electrical series with heater element 3784such that when vehicle battery voltage/vehicle ignition voltage(currently about 12V nominal but in future vehicles, about 42V nominalor a division thereof) is applied across the series combination, thedifference between the desired forward voltage desired to operate lightsource 3710 and vehicle battery/ignition voltage is applied acrossheater element 3784 (or a portion thereof) such that heater element 3784functions as a voltage divider and as a power dissipater that ballaststhe application of vehicle battery/ignition voltage to light source3710. By way of illustration, assume light source 3710 comprises aLuxeon™ Star Power white light power LED with a forward operatingvoltage of 2.5 volts and passing a forward current of 350 milliamps whenoperating. With such a light source, and with a 12V vehicle battery, theresistance of heater element 3784 (or a portion thereof) in serieselectrical connection with the LED light source is chosen to be 30 ohmsso that when 350 milliamps is passed by the white light LED (and beingin series therewith, also passed by the heater element or portionthereof), a voltage of 10.5 volts is dropped by the heater element (orportion thereof) that functions as a ballast to the high current whitelight LED. Consequently, power of 3.675 watts is dissipated by theheater element, which power can beneficially heat the mirror reflectiveelement 3784 that heater element 3784 thermally contacts to heat (suchas is desirable to remove condensation or frost or the like). Note thatsuch an arrangement when used in a security lighting/ground illuminationsystem such as disclosed in the '659 Pat. incorporated above has theadvantage of providing a deicing/defrosting/heating of an exteriormirror reflective element before the driver enters the vehicle and/orthe ignition is turned on (conventionally, such heater elements areactuated when the driver enters the vehicle and turns on the ignition).Thus, in the present invention, a driver approaching his or her vehiclecan remotely, and at a distance, actuate the security lights in theexterior mirror assemblies on the vehicle, and for as long as theselights are actuated, the heater pads attached to the exterior mirrorreflective element assemblies are dissipating energy, and areconsequently heating the respective mirror reflective elements andassisting defrosting/demisting thereof. Optionally, heater pad 3784 (ora portion thereof) can be connected with the vehicle battery so that thefull vehicle battery voltage is applied thereto (or to a portionthereof) but with such connection and application of the vehicle batteryvoltage being controlled by control 3750 such that a driver approachinghis or her vehicle can remotely, and at a distance, actuate the securitylights and/or the heater elements in the exterior mirror assemblies onthe vehicle, and for as long as timeout 3740 has not timed-out, theheater pads attached to the mirror reflective elements in the exteriormirror assemblies are dissipating energy, and are consequently heatingthe respective mirror reflective elements and assistingdefrosting/demisting thereof.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing, that the non-incandescentlight source unit or module of the present invention provides aone-for-one replacement for an incandescent light source. Therefore,mirror assemblies which have been tooled for incandescent light sourcesmay be upgraded by simply replacing the incandescent light source withthe non-incandescent light source unit of the present invention. Inaddition, the light source unit of the present invention may beconfigured using a single LED or a single group of light emitting diodeswhich are arranged in series, or may include two or more groups of lightemitting diodes that are arranged in parallel, with each group of LEDsconnected in series such that the total voltage drop across the LED isapproximately equal to the ignition voltage, typically 12 volts.Optionally, the LEDs can be arranged to have a voltage drop less than ina range of 2 to 16 volts, with a current limiting device, such asresister or another diode or the like, which is connected in series withthe group or groups of LEDs. In addition, the non-incandescent lightsource circuit may include a polarity rectifier that eliminates thepolarity of the unit so that it can be plugged in either of the twoorientations. Where the light source unit does not incorporate apolarity rectifier, the light source unit preferably includes polarityindicators, such as indentations or bumps, so that an installer willknow how to correctly mount the light source unit into the respectiveelectrical receptacle. Furthermore, as previously noted, the LEDs may beintegrally molded with socket connectors to ease the assembly process ofthe light source module. Moreover, the light source module mayincorporate a die-on-board or chip upon which junctions are created toform a plurality of discrete LED junctions. Furthermore, thenon-incandescent light source unit of the present invention mayincorporate a base or configuration suitable for a bayonet typeconnection, a screw socket, a wedge type connection, cartridge typeconnection, festoon type connection, ridged loop type connection, orbi-pin connection depending on the application. In addition, as notedpreviously, the light source unit may include male or female typeconnectors which cooperate with corresponding female or male connectorsof the light source circuit of the mirror assembly. Furthermore, byreplacing incandescent light sources with light sources that havedirectionality, the desired light pattern can be achieved by orientingthe light sources—potentially eliminating the need for reflectors and/oroptical surrounds. However, for aesthetic reasons, it is desirable toreplace the conventional reflectors or optical surrounds withnon-reflective or non-optic surrounds to conceal the inside of themirror assembly.

Also, the non-incandescent light source unit of the present inventioncan be used in vehicle lighting accessories, such as interior andexterior mirror assemblies, reading lamps, map lamps, interior andexterior lights, and dome lights even when the wiring to the vehiclelighting accessory did not originally anticipate use of an incandescentlight source. The provision of the non-incandescent light source unit ofthe present invention, by including in the unit at least one, andpreferably a plurality, of non-incandescent light sources (preferably,LEDs) packaged with a current limiting element, such as a seriesresistor (and any other associated circuitry such as a pulse widthmodulation circuit), and with plug-type connectors suitable to mate witha receiving socket of the vehicle accessory (and with vehicleignition/battery voltage provided across the poles of the receivingsocket of the vehicle accessory so that vehicle ignition/battery voltageis applied to the circuitry of the non-incandescent light source unit ofthe present invention when that unit plugs into the socket of thevehicle accessory) has many advantages, including the ability of anon-incandescent light source unit manufacturer providing a standardnon-incandescent light source unit as a unitary, modular unit for use byautomakers in various vehicle accessories in and on the vehicle.

As noted in detail in reference to the first embodiment, the concepts ofthis present invention can be used with interior rearview mirrorassemblies (or with accessory module assemblies such as windshieldelectronics module assemblies) which are equipped with a variety offeatures and accessories, such as a home access transmitter, garage dooropener transmitters, a high/low (or daylight running beam/low) headlampcontroller, a hands free phone attachment, a video telephone function, aremote keyless entry receiver, a compass, a seat occupancy detection,map lights or multiple reading lights such as described in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,698; 5,820,245; 5,671,996; 5,813,745;5,178,448; 4,733,336 and 4,646,210; the disclosures of all of which areherein incorporated in their entireties. Additional features andaccessories that may be incorporated into the rearview mirror assemblies(or into accessory module assemblies such as windshield electronicsmodule assemblies) include: antennas, including global positioningsystem (GPS) or cellular phone antennas, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,971,552, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/187,960,filed Mar. 9, 2000, communication modules or systems, such as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,688, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/199,676, filed Apr. 21, 2000, displays such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,530,240 or in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/244,726, filed Feb. 5,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,613, and application Ser. No. 09/448,700,filed Nov. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,925, blind spot detectionsystems, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,786 or 5,786,772,transmitters and/or receivers, such as garage door openers, a digitalnetwork, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,575, a high/low headlamp controller, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,093, a memorymirror system, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,176, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/572,008, filed May 16, 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,698,905, a hands-free phone attachment, a video device forinternal cabin surveillance and/or video telephone function, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,760,962 and 5,877,897, a remote keylessentry receiver, map lights, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,938,321; 5,813,745; 5,820,245; 5,673,994; 5,649,756; or 5,178,448,microphones, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/361,814, filed Jul. 27, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,642; Ser. No.09/396,179, filed Sep. 14, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,377; and Ser.No. 09/199,907, filed Nov. 25, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,610,speakers, a compass, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,212, seatoccupancy detector, a trip computer, an ONSTAR® System or the like, withall of the above referenced patents and applications commonly assigned,the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

Also, the novel non-incandescent lighting means of the present inventioncan be used to provide lighting for a vanity mirror such as is providedin automotive sun visors and the like. In this regard, and utilizing the“flip-down” mechanisms such as are disclosed in U.S. utility patentapplication Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268, and in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/585,379,filed Jun. 1, 2000, which are hereby incorporated in their entiretiesherein by reference, a flip-down display assembly affixed such as to therearview mirror mount (or to accessory module assemblies such aswindshield electronics module assemblies) can be provided which may bemoved into a position viewable by the driver or passenger from a storedposition behind the mirror housing or head, and with the flip-downdisplay assembly including a planar (flat) or curved (convex or concaveor multiradius) reflective element (such as a metallized plastic orglass substrate) that provides a mirror function for the purpose ofviewing the face of a front seat occupant of the vehicle (such as thedriver or front passenger-seat occupant) to monitor appearance, applylipstick or make up etc. Preferably, and most preferably located in theframe of a housing or frame around the vanity mirror reflective elementof the flip-down display assembly, a plurality of white light LEDs (orother colored sources and/or types of illumination) is provided, mostpreferably with such individual light sources each emitting a beam oflight directed away from the eyes of a viewer and towards the area ofthe face to be monitored (e.g. at the lips for lipstick application).Because of the swivel functionality provided at the flip-down displayassembly by such as a pivot joint, the mirror element can be adjusted soas to be directly viewable by either the driver or passenger asrequired. This can obviate the potentially distracting action of adriver pulling down the sun visor (and thereby obliterating or limitingforward vision) in order to monitor appearance, apply lipstick, tieneckties etc. Note that this concept can include a flip-down vanitymirror assembly (without a concomitant display assembly). Also, a singleflip-down mirror-mounted vanity mirror assembly can be used instead ofproviding dual lighted sun visors (thus saving cost).

Also, the novel non-incandescent lighting of the present invention canbe used to provide lighting for vehicular rear back-up vision systems,park-aid vision systems and filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268, and in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/585,379,filed Jun. 1, 2000, which are hereby incorporated in their entiretiesherein by reference. For example, at least one (and preferably at leasttwo but no more than four) high-intensity power LEDs (such as LUXEON™Star Power LEDs described above) can be used in combination with a rearback-up camera systems, as described above. Also, such LED lighting asis described above can be used with a tow hitching vision aid system. Ina preferred such system, a video camera module is provided that isattachable to a rear portion of a vehicle (such as at the upper portionof a rear backlite on an SUV-type vehicle or at the rear of thecargo-bed portion of a pick-up truck or at the rear of the rear trunk(and above where the license plate typically attaches) of a sedan car.As shown in FIG. 36 that illustrates a tow hitching vision aid system3600 of this present invention, video camera module 3655 is adapted forattachment to, and preferably for detachment from, the rear of thevehicle (such as by a suction cup or by suction cups, as known in theart, or by mechanical fasteners and the like) such as by attachmentmember 3652. The video camera module 3655 includes an imaging sensor3654 (such as a CCD camera sensor or, preferably due to its low currentconsumption, a CMOS camera sensor). The video camera module 3655preferably also includes a wireless transmitter 3659 (such as isavailable from X10 of Hong Kong, China) that transmits a video image ascaptured by imaging sensor 3654 by wireless transmission (preferably, byshort-range (i.e. less than about 30 meters or thereabouts) wirelessradio frequency transmission such as following the BLUETOOTH protocol,or via the IEEE 802.11a wireless local area network standard thatpreferably uses a 5 Gigahertz frequency band and with a data transferrate of at least about 10 Mb/sec and more preferably at least about 30Mb/sec. In this regard, a compact, low-current BLUETOOTH modulemeasuring about 7 mm by 7 mm by 1.8 mm in dimensions, and available fromTaiyo Yuden Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan is preferably used. This module isequipped with an RF chip provided by Silicon Wave Inc. that is mountedon a ceramic multi-layer base (having 8 to 9 layers and with inductorsor capacitors/condensers embedded in the base) with an installedreceiver and using flipchip technology. A wiring pattern is used havingthin lines of dimension about 80 microns.) to receiver 3670 locatedwithin the interior cabin of vehicle 3610, and preferably located at oradjacent to interior mirror assembly 3675 such as at flip-down videoassembly 3680 that, preferably, detachably connects to the mount portionof interior mirror assembly 3675, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268, incorporated herein. The video image as received by receiver3670 within the interior cabin of the vehicle is preferably displayed onan LCD video screen of flip-down display 3680 (such as is disclosed inU.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, incorporated above). Note that otherdisplay locations are possible for display of the video image wirelesslytransmitted from video camera module 3655. For example, a video displaylocated in the front instrument panel can be used, or a video displaycan be used located in an overhead console. Also, a video displayelement or screen can be used (such as an LCD display or an emittingdisplay element such as a multi-pixel electroluminescent display orfield emission display or light emitting diode display (organic orinorganic)) disposed within the mirror housing of the interior mirrorassembly of the vehicle, and located behind the mirror reflectiveelement in the mirror housing, and configured so that the imagedisplayed by the video display element is visible to the driver byviewing through the mirror reflective element. Preferably, and such asis disclosed in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002,filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, the mirror reflectiveelement (behind which the video display screen is disposed so that theimage displayed is visible by viewing through the mirror reflectiveelement) of the interior mirror assembly preferably comprises atransflective mirror reflector such that the mirror reflective elementis significantly transmitting to visible light incident from its rear(i.e. the portion furthest from the driver in the vehicle), with atleast about 15% transmission preferred, at least about 20% transmissionmore preferred and at least about 25% transmission most preferred, whilesimultaneously, the mirror reflective element is substantiallyreflective to visible light incident from its front (i.e. the positionclosest to the driver when the interior mirror assembly is mounted inthe vehicle), with at least about 60% reflectance preferred, at leastabout 70% reflectance more preferred and at least about 75% reflectancemost preferred. Preferably a transflective electrochromic reflectivemirror element is used (such as is disclosed in U.S. utility patentapplication Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268, and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,668,663; 5,724,187, the entiredisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein) thatcomprises an electrochromic medium sandwiched between two substrates.The front (i.e. closest to the driver when the interior mirror assemblyis mounted in the vehicle) substrate preferably comprises a glasssubstrate having a transparent electronic conductive coating (such asindium tin oxide or doped tin oxide) on its inner surface (andcontacting the electrochromic medium). More preferably, the frontsubstrate of the twin-substrate electrochromic cell that sandwiches theelectrochromic medium comprises a glass substrate having a thickness ofabout 1.6 millimeters or less; most preferably, about 1.1 millimeters orless. The rear (i.e. furthest from the driver when the interior mirrorassembly is mounted in the vehicle) substrate preferably comprises aglass substrate having a transflective mirror reflector on the surfacethereof that the electrochromic medium contacts (such a configurationbeing referred to as a “third-surface” reflector in the electrochromicmirror art). For example, the mirror reflector can comprise atransparent semiconductor/metal conductor/transparent semiconductormultilayer stack such an indium tin oxide/silver/indium tin oxide stack(for example, a third-surface electrochromic mirror reflective elementcan be used comprising a front substrate comprising an about 1.1 mmthick glass substrate having a half-wave ITO coating of about 12ohms/square sheet resistance on its inner surface; a rear substratecomprising an about 1.6 mm thick glass substrate having a transflectivemirror reflector thereon comprising an about 350 angstrom thick silvermetal layer sandwiched between an about 800 angstrom thick indium thinoxide transparent semiconductor layer and another about 800 angstromthick indium thin oxide transparent semiconductor layer; and with anelectrochromic solid polymer matrix medium such as is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,245,262 (the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein) disposed between the transflectivemirror reflector of the rear substrate and the half-wave indium tinoxide layer of the front substrate. Visible light reflectivity of thetransflective electrochromic mirror element is about 60-65%;transmission is about 20-25%. With a TFT LCD video display disposedbehind the rear substrate of such a third-surface transflectiveelectrochromic mirror reflective element in a “display-on-demand”configuration, the presence of (and image displayed by) the videodisplay screen is only principally visible to the driver (who viewsthrough the transflective mirror reflective element) when the videodisplay element is powered so as to project light from the rear of themirror reflective element). Preferably, a single high-intensity powerLED such as a white light emitting LED comprising a Luxeon™ Star PowerLXHL-MW1A white light emitting LED having (at a 25 degree Celsiusjunction temperature) a minimum forward voltage of 2.55 volts, a typicalforward voltage of 3.42 volts, a maximum forward voltage of 3.99 volts,a dynamic resistance of 1 ohm and a forward current of 350 milliamps,and available from Lumileds Lighting LLC of San Jose, Calif. is used asa backlight for the TFT LCD video screen. Alternately a plurality ofsuch single high-intensity power LEDs (such as an array of two or offour such power LEDs) is placed behind the TFT LCD video screen so thatthe intense white light projected from the individual singlehigh-intensity power LEDs passes through the TFT LCD element and throughthe transflective electrochromic element, preferably producing a displayintensity as viewed by the driver of at least about 200 candelas/sq.meter; more preferably at least about 300 candelas/sq. meter; and mostpreferably at least about 400 candelas/sq. meter. Alternately, coldcathode vacuum fluorescent sources/tubes can be used for backlightingand optionally can be used in conjunction with LED backlighting.

When video camera module attached to vehicle 3610 via attachment member3652, the field of view of imaging sensor 3654 is configured to viewball member 3630 of hitch assembly 3687. Optionally, the field of viewof imaging sensor 3654 can be user-adjusted (such as by manuallyadjusting a swivel/pivot joint of module 3655) once module 3655 isattached to vehicle 3610. At least one light source is provided atmodule 365 that illuminates generally coaxially with the field of viewof imaging sensor 3654 so as to enable viewing of ball member 3630 underlow ambient outside lighting conditions such as at night. Preferably twopower LED light sources 3657, 3658 are provided for such purpose. Morepreferably, light sources 3657, 3658 comprise high-intensity power LEDswith a light intensity such as that of the LUXEON™ Star Power LEDsdescribed above, and most preferably comprises white light emitting highintensity LEDs with a light intensity such as that of the LUXEON™ StarPower LEDs described above.

Electrical power to the electronic components of module 3655 (such asimaging sensor 3654, wireless/RF transmitter 3659 and light sources3657, 3658) can be provided by including a battery power source inmodule 3655 or by connection to the electrical power system of vehicle3610. However, and most preferably for Aftermarket uses where wiring toa vehicle power source may be costly or require skill, and/or where theelectrical power consumption by the likes of the transmitter 3659 and/orlight sources 3657, 3658 might lead to a consumer-dissatisfactory shortbattery-life, it is preferable that module 3655 be provided with anelectrical power lead 3684 that has a connector 3682 (typically a plugterminal 3682) that electrically connects with (typically by plugginginto) connector 3681 (typically an electrical socket and often a 7-waystandard connector) that is provided on hitch assembly 3687. Connector3682 of lead 3684 of module 3655 is the same as (or can be equipped withan adapter to become the same as) connector 3654 of lead 3646 that isprovided as part of trailer 3620 to allow operation oftaillight/stoplight/indicator light 3621 by the battery/ignition powersystem (and other controls such as the brake pedal, headlight switch andturn signal switch) of vehicle 3610 when trailer 3620 is being towed byvehicle 3610.

Thus, and as an example of system 3600 suitable to use such as in theAftermarket, the driver of vehicle 3610 purchases a flip-down videodisplay assembly 3680 and a wireless video camera module 3655. When atow hitch initiation event is contemplated, the driver first reversesthe vehicle so that ball member 3630 of vehicle 3610 is close tocorresponding hitch member 3640 (sometimes referred to in the art as atrailer tongue) of trailer 3620. The driver then attaches video displayassembly 3680 (that includes RF receiver 3670) to interior mirror 3675(such as by a snap-on connection as disclosed in the above referencedU.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,690,268, or alternately, by a detachable attachment member such as asuction cup to the inner surface of the vehicle windshield or to aninstrument panel/fascia portion in the front driver/front passengerportion of the interior cabin of the vehicle). Flip-down video assembly3680 may include its own internal battery for powering and/or can beprovided with a power lead that connects into a power-point such as acigarette-lighter 12V power point provided in the vehicle for poweringelectrical accessories. The driver next attaches module 3655 to the rearof the vehicle (such as by using a suction cup(s) provided on module3655). The driver aims the imaging sensor 3654 so that it is generallyviewing ball member 3630 of hitch assembly 3687 (and mechanicallyadjusts if needed). Note that the aiming direction of light sources3657, 3658 preferably adjust in tandem with any adjustment of the aimingof imaging sensor 3654 so that the light beams emitted by the lightsources illuminate the same region being imaged by imaging sensor 3654.Next, the driver plugs connector 3682 of lead 3684 into socket connector3681 in order to enable powering of module 3655 by the vehiclebattery/ignition system. Next the driver sits in the driver's seat ofthe vehicle, and turns on (if not already on) the vehicle ignition (andif appropriate, turns on the vehicle headlights if such is needed toprovide vehicle battery/ignition power to connector 3683 and thereby, tomodule 3655). The driver can see the image at least of hitch assembly3687 (and surrounding/adjacent regions) by viewing the video screen ofvideo display assembly 3680 (the video image being captured by imagesensor 3654, and being transmitted wirelessly from transmitter 3659 toreceiver 3670). Also, light sources 3657 automatically illuminate atleast when reverse gear is engaged and preferably all the time when theignition is on. Note that optionally, video display assembly 3680 canattach such as by a suction cup to the inner surface of the vehiclewindshield or to the top of the front instrument panel/fascia. Thedriver can now reverse and maneuver the vehicle so as to engage ballmember 3630 with hitch member 3640 in order to hitch trailer 3620 tovehicle 3610 while viewing the reversing event using video displayassembly 3680. Once the hitch joint is correctly established, the drivercan exit the vehicle, disconnect plug connector 3682 from socketconnector 3683, and connect plug connector 3645 of lead 3646 into socketconnector 3683 in order to provide appropriate electrical connection tothe trailer while being towed. The driver can then optionally detachmodule 3655 and flip-down video display assembly 3680, and store forfuture use. Note that this allows a driver safely hitch a trailerwithout the need for a second person to act as a “spotter”, and with thedriver being able to guide successful hitching by viewing the image aspresented within the interior cabin while reversing/maneuvering thevehicle. Note the present invention allows this be achieved without aneed for “hard-wiring” to the vehicle. It also allows use of an RFtransmitter and other electrical/electronic elements in module 3655 ofrelatively large power/current consumption without concern of runningdown a local battery source. Note also that optionally, video cameramodule 3655 may be attachable to (or more preferably incorporated in)hitch assembly 3687. Thus, for example, the manufacturer of hitchassembly 3687 can include a video camera module such as module 3655 aspart of hitch assembly 3687, and with the field of view of video imagingsensor 3654 (that may comprise a CMOS or CCD imaging array) directed toview (or adjustable to view) the approach of hitch element or tongue3640 to ball hitch element 3630 (and preferably illuminated by, forexample, a single high-intensity power LED light source such as theLumiLeds parts described above). Used in conjunction with an interiorcabin-located video screen that is viewable by the driver (for example,a flip-down DVD-entertainment screen now common in overhead consolesareas, or a navigational display screen in the front instrumentpanel/fascia, or a display-on-demand video screen behind the interiormirror reflective element, or a flip-down video display assemblyattachable to the interior mirror assembly or elsewhere in the cabin ofthe vehicle), a wired or, preferably, wireless video camera moduleincorporated into the hitch assembly can be advantageous for originalequipment manufacturers' (OEMs') provision of a tow-check feature invehicles in that the consumer can buy the tow-check camera as part ofthe tow-hitch assembly itself (or attachable thereto).

Optionally, distance measuring sensors such as ultrasonic distancemeasuring sensors may be included as part of module 3655 or as part ofhitch assembly 3687. For example, two spaced ultrasonic sensors can beutilized on hitch 3687 that detect the distance to and/or theorientation of the vehicle to the trailer that the driver is reversingtowards to establish a hitch connection. The distance to and/ororientation information (such as whether the trailer is more to the leftor the right of the vehicle) can be displayed at an information display(such as a digital information display of distance or a graphicaldisplay of distance or an indicia of orientation/distance, such as anLED coded to indicate whether the trailer is to the left or right)viewable by the driver in the vehicle cabin (such as at the display atthe interior mirror or at the driver's side exterior mirror or as adisplay at a flip-down video screen or as a graphic overlay on an imagedisplayed on the video screen viewable by the driver, such as aflip-down video screen).

Also, the non-incandescent lighting of the present invention can be usedin battery-operated accessories, such as the solar-powered rechargeablebattery operated added-feature interior mirror assemblies disclosed inU.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference. For example, an electrochromic interior mirror assemblythat is battery operated can be provided, and preferably a compasselectrochromic interior mirror assembly and most preferably acompass/temperature electrochromic interior mirror assembly. Suchbattery-powered assemblies can be provided as a “clip-on” assembly thatclips-onto (and thus is supported by) an existing interior mirrorassembly in the vehicle (typically a low-cost and low-feature prismatic“flip” mirror assembly). In these regards, it can be desirable toutilize, as a battery source the same rechargeable battery power packused by a cellular phone (such as a Nokia cellular phone or a Motorolacellular phone) or that is used for a similar widely used handheldaccessory such as a Palm Pilot PDA (an advantage being that rechargersare commonly available and used). For example, a clip-on EC compass/tempmirror assembly (with the compass/temp display being provided in a“chin-area” region of the bezel) can be provided powered by at least oneLithium-ion battery (such as a Nokia battery used in a Nokia cellularphone), and preferably by at least two connected in series. The clip-onmirror assembly also preferably includes a self-contained charger (ormultiple chargers), and most preferably a “cigarette lighter” power cordthat allows powering of the battery recharger integrated into theclip-on assembly by connection to a power point (typically 12V) commonlyprovided at the instrument panel/fascia in automobiles. The clip-oncompass/temp mirror assembly includes therewithin a compass sensor suchas magnetoresponsive sensor such as a magnetoresistive sensor such as isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,442, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein (and preferably with the sensortilted at an angle of about 10 degrees). The display element of theclip-on compass mirror assembly can be a vacuum fluorescent displayelement or, preferably due to its low current consumption, a liquidcrystal display element. Optionally, a DC to DC converter can be used toconvert the voltage output of the battery power pack (for example, about3.6V for some cellular phone battery packs) to a higher or lower DCvoltage level in order to suit the particular circuitry used in theclip-on assembly.

Also, any of the vehicular accessories disclosed above, such as interiorrearview mirror assemblies and accessory modules such as windshieldelectronics modules and having at least a portion with a view throughthe front windshield of the vehicle, can include ultra small informationdisplays such as are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/314,457, filed Aug. 23, 2001, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein. Such ultra-small displays maybe of a transmissive-type or a reflective type. For example, the ultrasmall liquid crystal display (LCD) available from Kopin Corporation ofTaunton, Mass. is a transmissive type. Kopin utilizessilicon-on-insulator SOI wafers to build transmissive displays. Kopin'sproduct and utilizes thin monocrystal silicon thin film transistorsSi-TFT of several microns peeled off from the circuit board to filtersout light, and employs a field sequential method, which shows images inaccordance with sequentially changing red, green, and blue. It has ahigh degree of transmissivity because it does not need color filters.Image quality depends on color purity of the light emitting diode usedas the illumination source.

Also, the lighting disclosed in the present invention can be used withvehicular interior cabin surveillance and monitoring systems, such asare disclosed in U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268. For example, and referring to FIG. 38, achild/baby monitoring system 3800 is disclosed including a child seat3810 placed on a vehicle seat 3820 (typically, a vehicle rear seat).Child monitoring module 3830 is attachable to child seat 3810 (or toseat 3820) using straps 3832, 3834 that join at clasp 3836. Clasp 3836can comprise a Velcro® fastener or can comprise a buckle-type fastener.Beneficially, module 3830 can be attached to and detached from childseat 3810 (or, optionally, another structure in the vehicle cabin suchas vehicle seat 3820) as desired without a need for substantialmodification of the vehicle interior; thus, being well-suited forAftermarket and temporary installations/uses. Module 3830 includes atleast one of a camera (that has a field of view that is directed to viewa child seated in child seat 3810) and at least one microphone adaptedto pick up whatever sound/speech emanates from the child. Module 3830can also include an amplifier/speaker that would allow, for example amother driving the vehicle to talk to the baby seated in the rear-seatlocated baby seat. Module 3830 also preferably includes light sources3838, 3839 that provide illumination of the baby seated in baby seat3810. For example, near-infrared illuminating LEDs can be used and/or asingle high intensity, high current LED can be used such as a LumiLedLuxeon™ Star Power LED disclosed above. Beneficially, module 3830 isself-contained (for example, it may include its own battery-pack and/orrecharger/power cord adapted for plugging into a “cigarette-lighter”power outlet (such as are found in vehicles)), and contains whateverelectrical/electronic circuitry is required. Module 3830 may optionallyinclude a wireless transmitter/receiver 3831 (such as an RF transmitterand/or an RF receiver, such as a short-range RF transmitter and/orreceiver that follows a BLUETOOTH or a IEEE 802.11a or similarshort-range communication protocol). Thus, module 3830 can wirelesslysend images and audio/sounds from the baby in car seat 3810 for view andhearing by a driver of the vehicle and/or receive images or sounds fromthe driver. Alternately, a wiring harness can be provided thatphysically (and electrically) connects module 3830, such as by amulti-wire ribbon harness, to a display and/or audio system elsewhere inthe vehicle (typically in the front driver/passenger area). A displaysystem 3900 suitable for use in conjunction with system 3800 is shown inFIG. 39. Display system 3900 includes video display assembly 3910 thatincludes an adjustable/moveable housing 3920 (that includes videodisplay screen 3930) that is adjustable in multi-directions aboutsupport arm 3950 via swivel/pivot joint 3940 (for example, a balljoint). Support arm 3950 terminates in plug connector 3955 that isadapted to make electrical connection to a standard power outlet locatedat the instrument panel/fascia portion of the interior cabin of thevehicle (typically, a “cigarette-lighter” power outlet deliveringbattery/ignition voltage to power accessories) to supply power tocircuitry of assembly 3910. Assembly 3910 can include (for example,housed in housing 3920) a microphone 3922 and an audio loudspeaker 3924that allows the driver audibly communicate with a child seated in a rearseat (such as in a baby seat) and/or hear audible sounds emanating fromsuch a baby. Video display assembly 3910 can include various accessories(such as a camera 3926), and can include a wireless receiver and/ortransmitter 3927 that complements what is disclosed above in connectionwith system 3800. Video display assembly 4010 of system 4000 shown inFIG. 40 is similar to assembly 3910, but includes two pivot joints 4020,4021. Video display assembly 4110 of system 4100 shown in FIG. 40 issimilar to assembly 3910, but support arm 4150 includes a telescopingmount 4152. Systems such as 3800 and 3900-4100 are particularly wellsuited for Aftermarket installations as the need for “hard-wiring” canbe eliminated. Such systems allow a driving mother and her small babyseated in a rear-facing baby seat maintain continuous communication toreinforce each other's presence (sometimes this is inhibited due to thelegal requirement to place children in the front or rear facing babyseats with the rear seat behind the mother's back). Module 3830 ofsystem 3800 can, optionally, be provided with a video display screenthat displays the image of the driver as captured such as by a camera,for example, on housing 3920 of assembly 3910. Also, placing amicrophone and/or a speaker at the front of the vehicle, either in frontof the driver-mother's face (such as at an interior mirror assembly) orabove her head (such as in a header or overhead console region) or in aside pillar (such as an A-pillar) or other location where amicrophone(s) can pick up the mother's voice and where the mother canreadily hear noises from the baby is beneficial and, preferably,combining this with a microphone and speaker located in and/or aroundthe vicinity of the baby seat. Communication between locations accessedby the driver-mother and the baby/child in the rear baby seat can be bywired communication (regular cable, coaxial cable fiber optic or modularpulse carrying cable including twisted pair) or by wirelesscommunication (using RF, IR, BLUETOOTH, IEEE 802.11a or anothershort-range communication method). Cameras, speakers, light sourcesand/or microphones for such systems can be in a number of locationsincluding built into and/or on or attached to the baby seat; built intothe vehicle seat; built into the interior rearview mirror assembly;built into a windshield-located electronics accessory module; built intothe A, B, C, or D pillar; and/or built into a dome or side rail lamp.Additionally, and as described above, the module including the camera,light source(s), microphone and/or speaker can be portable with Velcroor flexible means of detachable attachment to the rear or the overheadlocation for a particular vehicular situation. For example, a speakerwith a microphone attached to a Velcro belt can be affixed to a locationsuch as the handle of a child safety seat or the headrest of a car seat,preferably also combined with a camera system. Any type of speaker canbe used but particularly good performance is anticipated with aminiature speaker, with a flat speaker type of the solid-state type suchas is available from Panasonic of Tokyo, Japan preferred. Whereappropriate, such systems can also be combined with ONSTAR® microphonesused with ONSTAR®-type mirrors and/or ONSTAR® microphones locatedelsewhere in a vehicle. Such systems can also be combined with otherspeakers located in the vehicle such as for the entertainment systembuild into the vehicle or portable entertainment systems brought intothe vehicle by the user. Optionally, when the sound system of thevehicle is muted or turned on only for the driver or passenger to hear,then the sound level/audible pick-up from the baby can be displayed on avideo screen visible to the driver in the vehicle via a graphic overlayon a screen in the vehicle. Such systems disclosed above can be combinedwith a screen visible to the baby, which displays either a live videoimage of the parent or a fixed/still image of the parent to provide avisual re-enforcement of the presence of the parent to the baby. Thiscould also be accomplished using a “heads-up” display device. Suchsystems can be combined with systems that monitor a child at a locationlocated outside the vehicle (such as in a picnic situation, soccer game,or home). Such systems can include a hand-held video display device suchas a portable TV or PDA such as a Palm Pilot®.

Also, the lighting of the present invention can be used with an overheadconsole system 4200 such as is shown in FIG. 42. Overhead console/domelight assembly 4210 includes at least one light 4231 for general/taskillumination that preferably comprises a high current high-intensityLumiLeds Luxeon™ Star Power high-intensity power LED (and heat sinkand/or DC to DC converter) as disclosed above. Assembly 4210 alsoincludes switches 4240 and camera 4230. LED light sources 4250, 4252 areprovided and are adapted to illuminate the portion of the vehicleinterior (such as a baby seat on a rear seat) imaged by camera 4230.

Also, the novel lighting of the present invention can be used inconjunction with tire pressure monitoring systems such as are disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,016, filed Nov. 10, 2000, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,445,287, and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/513,941, filed Feb. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,989, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein. For example,a high current high-intensity LumiLeds Luxeon™ Star Power power LED (andheat sink and/or DC to DC converter) as disclosed above, and preferablya white light emitting high current high-intensity LumiLeds Luxeon™ StarPower LED (and heat sink and/or DC to DC converter) as disclosed above,can be used as a wheel tire pressure status indicator on the exterior ofthe vehicle (such as part of an exterior mirror assembly). Also, a highcurrent high-intensity LumiLeds Luxeon™ Star Power LED (and heat sinkand/or DC to DC converter) as disclosed above, and preferably a whitelight emitting high current high-intensity LumiLeds Luxeon™ Star PowerLED (and heat sink and/or DC to DC converter) as disclosed above, can beused to provide task lighting (such as map/reading lighting) from anaccessory module such is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/710,016, filed Nov. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,287, and inU.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/793,002, filed Feb. 26,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,268, which are hereby incorporated intheir entireties herein by reference.

The novel light emitting diode lighting of the present inventionencompasses both inorganic LEDs and organic LEDs.

An accessory module system comprising a lighted windshield electronicmodule system 4300 is shown in FIG. 43. System 4300 comprises awindshield electronics module assembly 4370 that detachably attaches(such as by a breakaway joint) to attachment member 4320 (preferably, amirror-mounting button as known in the interior mirror art and ascommonly used on the likes of MY2002 General Motors and Ford vehiclessuch as the Ford Taurus and Cadillac STS) that is attached (typicallyadhesively via such as a polyvinyl butyral adhesive or a siliconeadhesive or a modified epoxy adhesive) to the inner surface ofwindshield 4318. Module assembly 4370 includes a second attachmentmember 4321 that preferably is of the same construction andconfiguration as attachment element 4321, and to which interior mirrorassembly 4390 (that may include circuitry/accessory 4391) detachablyattaches (preferably via a breakaway joint). By making attachmentmembers 4320, 4321 the same, mirror assembly 4390 that typically isadapted to mount to attachment member 4320 can now mount to attachmentmember 4321. Module assembly 4370 includes an upper portion 4340configured to be viewable and accessible above housing 4314 of mirrorassembly 4390. User-actuatable buttons 4312 a, 4312 b are provided atupper portion 4340 to allow, for example, actuation by the driver of thecontrols to access a wireless telecommunication system of the vehiclesuch as a cellular phone system (such as a BLUETOOTH-enabled cellularphone system of the vehicle) or a telematics system such as ONSTAR® orRESCU™ or the like. Optionally, circuitry 4344 associated with suchuser-access buttons and the like is included in module 4370. Upperportion 4340 also optionally includes a microphone 4371 (or multiplemicrophones and/or a sound acquisition system as previously described)functional as part of an audio system of the vehicle such as a wirelesstelecommunication system such as a BLUETOOTH-enabled vehicular cellularphone system or an ONSTAR® system or the like. An information display4317 (such as a compass display or a PSIR display, as known in theautomotive art) can be included in upper portion 4340 of assembly 4370.Optionally, a swivel or pivot joint 4346 a can be included to alloworientation of the viewing angle of display 4317 and/or theline-of-access of buttons 4312 a, 4312 b to suit a driver's and/or frontpassenger's preference/needs. Alternately, the orientation of upperportion 4340 can be fixedly configured and canted so as to be facinggenerally towards the driver seated in the driver seat (or, alternately,fixedly configured and preferably canted towards the front seatpassenger). Accessory 4355 can be included in module 4370 (for example,a compass sensor or an antenna or a CMOS smart headlamp controller orany of the accessories disclosed above). Optionally, module 4370includes a lower portion 4342 that, preferably, is generally disposedbehind housing 4314 of mirror 4390, and not unduly protruding into theforward line of sight of the driver through windshield 4318 below mirrorassembly 4390. Electronic accessories 4370, 4365 (that can be any ofthose disclosed above such as a contacting or non-contacting rain sensoror a video-based non-contacting rain sensor/fog detector or a HomeLink®trainable garage door opener) can be included in module 4370.User-access buttons 4352 a, 4352 b can be provided to allowuser-actuation of various accessories, including of those housed inmodule 4370. An interior lighting assembly 4366 (preferably a modulecomprising a single high-intensity white light emitting power LED, asdescribed above, and preferably including a series power resistor and/ora heat dissipation element and/or a DC to DC voltage converter and/or apulse-width modulation power source) is included in module 4370, andadapted to project light beam 4367 to illuminate a portion of thevehicle interior below the interior mirror assembly (such as a knee/laparea of the driver and/or front passenger for reading/map readingpurposes or a floor/gear shift console area or the like). Using thesystem shown in FIG. 43, features such as sound acquisition microphonesand telematics user-access buttons can be provided in a stand-alonewindshield electronics module, and a “standard” and separate interiormirror assembly can be utilized without the need to customize theinterior mirror assembly with microphones and/or buttons. Note that thewalls of module 4370 are sufficiently rigid such as being fabricatedfrom a reinforced molded polymer such as a glass or mineral-filled nylonor from a metal material (or made sufficiently rigid such as via strutsand similar reinforcing/stiffening elements such as metal bars or sheetsmolded in or attaching to a polymer outer cladding) and/or vibrationdampening elements are utilized such that vibration of the mirrorreflector in the mirror assembly attaching to module 4370 is minimizedor eliminated. Module assembly 4370 received battery/ignition power (aswell as, optionally, various control and input/output communicationlines) from the vehicle by accessory module wire harness 4388 in orderto provide electrical powering of accessories within module 4370 and/orto provide pass through powering/control of/control by/communicationwith of any accessory connected to or mounting to module 4370 (such asmirror assembly 4390). Wire harness 4388 can optionally include variouscontrol lines and input/output lines from and to various accessories inmodule 4370 (or attaching to module 4370) and from/to various vehicleaccessories (including a fiber optic link carrying data such as videodata and the like and/or a connection to a vehicle CAN/LIN system formutiplexing/networking within the vehicle). Wire harness 4388 connectsvia plug 4381 to a socket connector 4381′ provided at module 4370 (orvice versa). Mirror assembly wire harness 4384 terminates in a socketconnector 4385 (such as a 7 or 12-pin connector) that connects with aplug 4385′ provided at module 4370. Preferably, plug 4381 isconfigured/constructed so as to also connect with socket connector 4385.Thus, an automobile manufacturer, or an installer in the Aftermarket,can readily add module 4370 to an existing electrically operatedinterior mirror 4390. For example, and approaching the vehicle initiallywith interior mirror assembly 4390 mounted to mirror button 4320 andconnected via a joint between plug 4381 into socket 4385 to vehicle wireharness 4388 (that comes out from the vehicle header region), theinstaller may disconnect plug 4381 from socket connector 4385. Theinstaller next demounts mirror assembly 4390 from mirror mounting button4320. Next the installer mounts module 4370 to mirror-mounting button4320. Next, the installer mounts mirror assembly 4390 to module 4370 bymounting onto attachment member 4321 (that is constructed similar tomirror-mounting button 4320). Next, the installer connects plug 4381 ofwire harness 4388 to socket connector 4381′, and connects socketconnector 4385 to plug connector 4385′ in order to provide electricalpower and input/output control and communication lines to electronicaccessories of interior mirror assembly 4390. For example,electrochromic reflective element 4382 can connect via harness 4384 toautomatic dimming circuitry 4355 in module 4370 (which automatic dimmingcircuitry in module 4370 may include a forward facing ambient lightsensor viewing via the windshield 4318 and a rear facing glare detectinglight sensor that detects glare of headlights of vehicles approachingfrom the rear). Harness 4384 may connect information display 4392 to,for example, control circuitry in module 4370 (for example, compassdisplay control circuitry including a compass sensor). A singlecircuitry in module 4370 can control a plurality offunctions/accessories of mirror assembly 4390 (for example, variablecontrol of the state of reflectivity of electrochromic mirror reflectiveelement 4382 and display of compass information and/or other informationby display element 4392). By including most if not all electronicaccessories desired as part of accessory module 4370, an automaker canprovide many of the electronic accessories today commonly included inmirror assembly 4390 (for example, a headlamp controller including aCMOS-based smart headlamp controller or an automatic mirror dimmingcircuitry or a rain sensor or a trainable garage door opener or anantenna or a microphone or a light or a user-actuatable button or adisplay) as part of windshield electronics module 4370, and then use abase, low feature mirror assembly such as a low-cost non-electronicprismatic mirror assembly or a base electrochromic mirror assembly (withimprovement in economy and vibration performance of the mirrorassembly). Circuitry and accessories/modules can be included in module4370 using predefined standard electronic PCB cards, modules and/orpackages akin to what is today found, for example, in personal computerequipment, and these can be provided in a “plug & play” manner. At leasta portion of the wall structure of module 4370 can be openable/removableto allow access to accessories/PCBs/circuitry housed in and/or attachingto accessory module 4370 (for service, option selection etc.). Note thatthe mirror assembly attaching to module 4370 can be a two-ball mirrorassembly or a single-ball mirror assembly, as such are known in theinterior mirror assembly arts. Guides (such as guide walls) can beplaced adjacent to the portion of module 4370 where module 4370 mountsto mirror mounting button 4320 to assist guiding alignment of module4370 for ready receipt by mirror mounting button/windshield attachmentmember 4320.

Also, where a windshield electronics module assembly is attached to thewindshield, and where an interior rearview mirror assembly eitherattaches to or attaches adjacent to the windshield electronics module(or attaches to the windshield via an aperture in the windshieldelectronics module such that the interior rearview mirror assemblydirectly attaches to the windshield through the windshield electronicsmodule) or when the interior rearview mirror assembly attaches to aheader at the roof of the vehicle but where a windshield electronicsmodule is used, the windshield electronics module may in certaincircumstances occlude, block or impair, the field of view for a forwardfacing light sensor (such as an ambient light sensor commonly used in anautomatic rearview mirror assembly that is part of the interior rearviewmirror assembly (such interior-mirror-assembly-forward-facing lightsensors typically detects ambient conditions exterior the vehicle and/oron coming headlamp intensities and the like). In such circumstances, thewindshield electronics module may include light openings and/or lightports and/or light transmitting portions that provide a field of viewforward through the windshield for the likes of an ambient lightdetector or a CMOS smart headlamp controller that is incorporated in theinterior rearview mirror assembly and has a rearward field of viewforward of the vehicle in the direction the vehicle is traveling.Optionally, light conduiting elements such as a fiber optic element suchas a fiber optic cable may be used to conduit light passing from theoutside of the vehicle through the front windshield and impinging thewindshield electronics module assembly to a forward facing lightdetector of the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved groundillumination system that includes an exterior mirror assembly, which isadapted for attachment to a side of a vehicle, and a ground illuminationlight assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror casing and areflective element, which is preferably supported in the mirror casingby an actuator, such as a manual or electrically powered actuator. Thereflective element may comprise an electrochromic reflective elementhaving a variable reflectivity, such that its reflectance state can bevaried to minimize glare from side or rearward approaching vehicles, asis known in the art. When the mirror assembly is attached to the side ofthe vehicle, the light assembly provides illumination for at least aground area adjacent the entrance to the vehicle. The light assemblypreferably includes a single non-incandescent light source, such as asingle high-intensity power light emitting diode, which has a luminousefficiency of at least about 1 lumen per watt when the power lightemitting diode is operated and wherein the power light emitting diode isoperated at a forward current of at least about 00 milliamps (morepreferably, at least about 250 milliamps; and, most preferably, at leastabout 350 milliamps). The power light emitting diode may be providedwith a heat dissipation element, which is adapted to function as atleast as a heat sink or a heat dissipater for the power dissipated bythe power light emitting diode when the power light emitting diode isoperated. Since power light emitting diodes operate at an operationalvoltage that is typically less than the battery ignition voltage towhich the mirror assembly is adapted to attach, the exterior mirrorassembly optionally and preferably includes at least a series powerresistor or a direct current (DC) voltage to direct current (DC) voltageconverter.

When operated, the power light emitting diode preferably dissipates atleast about 0.5 watts of power; more preferably, at least about 1 wattof power; and, most preferably, at least about 1.5 watts of power. Insome applications, the power light emitting diode may dissipate at leastabout 2 watts of power when operated.

For example, the heat dissipation element may comprise a heat sink, suchas a metal heat sink, including copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, orbrass heat sinks, and includes a heat dissipation surface area of atleast about 1 square inch; more preferably, at least about 1.5 squareinches; or, most preferably, at least about 2.5 square inches. In somecases, the heat sink may include a heat dissipation surface area of atleast about 3.5 square inches. To increase the transfer of heat from thepower light emitting diode to the heat sink, the power light emittingdiode may be thermally coupled to the heat sink, for example by a heatsink compound.

The illumination system may further include a light-directing member,which directs light emitted from the power light emitting diode towardthe ground area.

Optionally, the heat dissipation element may be incorporated as part ofthe light assembly. In addition, the heat dissipation element mayinclude a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the powerlight emitting diode. Similarly, the light assembly may include thepower resistor and/or the voltage converter. Furthermore, the lightassembly may include a lens, such as a fresnel-optic lens, abinary-optic lens, a diffusive-optic lens, a holographic-optic lens, anda sinusoidal-optic lens, through which the light from the power lightemitting diode passes for illuminating the ground area.

Suitable single high-intensity power light emitting diodes includehigh-intensity power, high-current capability light emitting diodes,such as high flux LED's available from LumiLed Lighting, USA, LLC of SanJose, Calif. under the Sun Power Series High Flux LED trade name. Forexample, such high-intensity power LEDs emit at least about 1 lumen;more preferably, at least about 5 lumens; and, most preferably, at leastabout 10 lumens and are capable of delivering luminous efficiency of atleast about 1 lumen per watt; more preferably, at least about 3 lumensper watt; and, most preferably, at least about 5 lumens per watt. Insome cases, such high-intensity power light emitting diodes emit atleast about 15 lumens and, more preferably, at least about 20 lumens ofluminous flux. Furthermore, such high-intensity power LEDs operate at anoperational voltage of at least about 1 volt; more preferably, at leastabout 2 volts; and, most preferably, at least about 3 volts. Preferably,the light emitting diode operates at an operational voltage of less thanabout 5 volts and, most preferably, in a range of about 2 to 5 volts.

As noted above, the circuitry used to power the high-intensity powerlight emitting diode preferably utilizes a direct current (DC) step-downvoltage converter. The converter optionally has a step-down ratio of atleast about 2 to 1 (for example, a 12-volt nominal vehiclebattery/ignition voltage is stepped down to 6 volts); more preferably,at least about 4 to 1 (for example, a 12-volt vehicle battery/ignitionvoltage is stepped down to 3 volts); and, most preferably, at leastabout 6 to 1 (for example, a 12-volt vehicle battery/ignition voltage isstepped down to 2 volts), with the step down ratio being chosencommensurate with the vehicle battery/ignition voltage, for example,whether 12 volts or 42 volts nominal or other nominal voltage, and thedesired operational voltage at the power light emitting diode.

Typically, such high-intensity power light emitting diodes dissipate atleast about 0.5 watts of power, at least about 1 watt of power, or atleast about 1.5 watts of power when operated. In some cases, the powerlight emitting diode may dissipate at least about 2 watts of power. Aspreviously noted, the heat generated by the power light emitting diodemay be dissipated by the heat dissipation element, such as a heat sink.

As noted above, the circuitry used to power the power light emittingdiode may use a direct current step-down voltage conversion element,such that there is provided to the single high-intensity power lightemitting diode an operational voltage that is less than a percentage(typically about 50%, 35%, 20% or 15%) of the battery/ignition voltageof the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is adapted toattach. The conversion element, for example, is adapted to convert thebattery/ignition voltage, which typically may be in a range of about 12volts nominal to 42 volts nominal and, more typically, 12 volts nominalor 42 volts nominal, to a reduced voltage commensurate with theoperational voltage of the single high-intensity power light emittingdiode. Should the conversion element convert the battery/ignitionvoltage to a voltage that is greater than the operational voltage of thepower light emitting diode, the circuitry used to power the power lightemitting diode may also include a power resistor. Alternately, thevehicle battery ignition voltage can be across a series connection ofthe power light emitting diode and a power resistor, such that theseries resistor dissipates, for example, at least about 2.5 watts ofpower; more preferably, at least about 3.0 watts of power; and, mostpreferably, at least about 3.5 watts of power.

It should also be understood from the foregoing that the light assemblymay comprise a light module, including, for example, a seated lightmodule that is moisture resistant and can withstand outdoor weatherelements, such as rain, fog, snow, carwash spray, road splashes, or thelike. Preferably, the light module may include, for example, the heatdissipation element, the power resistor, and/or the voltage converter.In addition, the light module may include a lens, with the light fromthe single high-intensity power light emitting diode passing through thelens. Furthermore, when the light module includes the heat dissipationelement, the heat dissipation element may comprise a heat sink/reflectorfor dissipating heat from the single high-intensity power light emittingdiode and for directing light from the single high-intensity power lightemitting diode.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved interiorlighting system that includes an interior mirror assembly, which isadapted for attachment to an interior portion of a vehicle, such as awindshield portion or a header portion. The interior mirror assemblyincludes a mirror reflective element and a light assembly. The lightassembly is configured to illuminate an area inside the vehicle wherethe interior mirror assembly is attached to the interior portion of thevehicle. The light assembly comprises a single non-incandescent lightsource, such as a single high-intensity power light emitting diodehaving a luminous efficiency of at least about one lumen per watt whenthe single high-intensity power light emitting diode is operated andwherein the single high-intensity power light emitting diode isoperating at a forward current of at least 100 milliamps (morepreferably, at least about 250 milliamps; and, most preferably, at leastabout 350 milliamps).

Preferably, the light assembly is positioned to project light from alower portion of the interior mirror assembly and projects the beam oflight onto, for example, a console area or a lap area of a passenger inthe vehicle.

The lighting system also preferably includes a heat dissipation element,which is adapted to dissipate heat from the single high-intensity powerlight emitting diode. Furthermore, the lighting system may include avoltage conversion element, which is adapted to step down an appliedvehicle battery/ignition voltage to an operational voltage for thesingle high-intensity power light emitting diode. For example, theoperational voltage of the single high-intensity power light emittingdiode is preferably in a range of about 1 to 5 volts.

As noted above, when operated, such single high-intensity power lightemitting diodes may dissipate at least about 1 watt of power; morepreferably, at least about 1.5 watts of power; and more preferably atleast about 2 watts of power.

In addition, the light assembly may include the heat dissipationelement. For example, the heat dissipation element may include areflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the singlehigh-intensity power light emitting diode. Optionally, the lightingsystem may also incorporate a light-directing element, which directslight from the power light emitting diode toward the interior portion ofthe vehicle. Furthermore, the lighting system may incorporate a lens,with light from the power light emitting diode passing through the lens.

As noted above, in order to dissipate the heat generated by the powerlight emitting diode, the lighting system preferably includes a heatdissipation element. The heat dissipation element may comprise a heatsink, including a metal heat sink, such as a copper, copper alloy,aluminum, or brass heat sink. Preferably, the heat sink includes a heatdissipation surface area of at least about 1 square inch; morepreferably, at least about 2.5 square inches; and, most preferably, atleast about 3.5 square inches. Optionally, the light assembly mayinclude the heat sink. In order to improve the heat transfer from thepower light emitting diode to the heat sink, the power light emittingdiode may be thermally coupled to the heat sink, for example, by heatsink compound. In addition, the heat sink may comprise a reflector,which reflects light from the power light emitting diode.

As noted above, suitable single high-intensity power light emittingdiodes operate at an operational voltage of at least about 1 volt, andtypically less than about 5 volts, and preferably in a range of about 2to 5 volts. Battery/ignition voltages are typically in a range of about12 to 42 volts nominal and, most typically, are about 12 volts nominalor 42 volts nominal. As such, the single high-intensity power lightemitting diode operates at an operational voltage that is less than thebattery/ignition voltage of the vehicle to which the mirror assembly isadapted to attach, with the percentage of the operational voltage of thepower light emitting diode being about 50 percent of thebattery/ignition voltage, or about 35 percent of the battery/ignitionvoltage, or about 20 percent of the battery/ignition voltage.

Optionally, the lighting system may also include a power resistor, whichdissipates at least about 3 watts of power; more preferably, at leastabout 3.5 watts of power; and, most preferably, at least about 3.5 wattsof power.

In order to reduce the voltage to the power light emitting diode, thevoltage conversion element has a step-down ratio of at least about 2 to1; more preferably, of at least about 4 to 1; and most preferably of atleast about 6 to 1, as noted above.

Similar to the exterior application of the light system of the presentinvention noted above, the light assembly may include a lens, with thelight from the single high-intensity power light emitting diode passingthrough the lens. For example, the lens may comprise a diffractiveoptical element or a refractive optical element. Preferably, the lenscomprises a fresnel-optic lens, a binary-optic lens, a diffusive-opticlens, a holographic-optic lens, or a sinusoidal-optic lens. In addition,the light assembly may include the power resistor, the voltageconversion element, and/or the heat dissipation element. When the lightassembly incorporates the heat dissipation element, the heat dissipationelement preferably comprises a heat sink/reflector for dissipating heatfrom the power light emitting diode and for directing light from thepower light emitting diode. Such a heat sink/reflector may comprise ametal reflector having a heat conductivity, such as copper, copperalloy, aluminum, or brass.

Similarly, the light assembly may comprise a reading or map lightassembly, including a driver's or passenger's side reading or map lightassembly, or a light module, such a reading or map light module,including a driver's or passenger's side reading or map light module.Depending on the application, the single high-intensity power lightemitting diode emits at least about 1 lumen; at least about 5 lumens; atleast about 10 lumens; at least about 15 lumens; or at least about 20lumens of luminous flux.

When the light assembly comprises a light module, the module preferablyincludes the series power resistor, the voltage conversion element,and/or the heat dissipation element. In addition, when the moduleincludes the heat dissipation element, the heat dissipation elementpreferably comprises a heat sink/reflector for dissipating heat from thesingle high-intensity power light emitting diode and for directing lightfrom the single high-intensity power light emitting diode.

The lighting system of the present invention may also comprise anaccessory module adapted for attachment to an interior portion of avehicle, preferably a windshield portion; although other interiorportions are possible, such as a header portion. The accessory module isconfigured to illuminate an area inside the vehicle when the accessorymodule is attached to the interior portion of the vehicle and comprisesa single non-incandescent light source. The single non-incandescentlight source preferably comprises a single high-intensity power lightemitting diode, which emits light for illuminating the area with aluminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen/watt when the singlehigh-intensity power light emitting diode is operated and wherein thesingle high-intensity power light emitting diode is operated at aforward current of at least about 100 milliamps. The lighting systemalso includes a heat dissipation element, which is adapted to dissipateheat from the single high-intensity power light emitting diode, and apower resistor.

The accessory module may be mounted in an interior review mirrorassembly, such as in the movable portion, such as the mirror case, inthe fixed portion, such as the mirror mounting assembly, or in a podattached to the mirror assembly.

The area illuminated by the accessory module is preferably at a distanceof greater than about 20 inches from the accessory module, morepreferably at a distance of less than about 40 inches from the accessorymodule, and most preferably at a distance in a range of about 20 to 40inches from the accessory module.

As noted above, the circuitry used to power the high-intensity powerlight emitting diode utilizes a direct current (DC) voltage to directcurrent (DC) voltage step-down voltage converter. The converterpreferably has a step-down ratio of at least about 2 to 1; morepreferably, at least about 4 to 1; and, most preferably, at least about6 to 1.

Suitable single high-intensity power light emitting diodes includehigh-intensity power, high current capability light emitting diodes,such high flux light emitting diodes available from LumiLed Lighting,USA, LLC of San Jose, Calif. under the Sun Power Series High Flux LEDtrade name. For example, such high-intensity power LEDs emit at leastabout 1 lumen; more preferably, at least about 5 lumens; and, mostpreferably, at least about 10 lumens and are capable of deliveringluminous efficiency of at least about 1 lumen per watt; more preferably,at least about 3 lumens per watt; and, most preferably, at least about 5lumens per watt. In some cases, such high-intensity power LEDs emit atleast about 15 lumens and more preferably at least about 20 lumens.Furthermore, such high-intensity power LEDs operate at an operationalvoltage of at least about 1 volt; more preferably, at least about 2volts; and, more preferably, at least about 3 volts. Preferably, thepower light emitting diode operates at an operational voltage of lessthan about 5 volts and, most preferably, in a range of about 2 to 5volts.

Typically, such high-intensity power light emitting diodes dissipate atleast about 0.5 watts of power, at least about 1 watt of power, or atleast about 1.5 watts of power when operated. In some cases, the powerlight emitting diode may dissipate at least about 2 watts of power. Aspreviously noted, the heat generated by the power light emitting diodemay be dissipated by the heat dissipation element, such as a heat sink.

As noted above, the circuitry used to power the power light emittingdiode may use a direct current step-down voltage conversion element,since the single high-intensity power light emitting diode operates atan operational voltage that is less than a percentage (typically about50%, 35%, 20% or 15%) of the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle towhich the exterior mirror assembly is adapted to attach. The voltageconversion element, for example, is adapted to convert thebattery/ignition voltage, which may be in a range of 12 volts nominal to42 volts nominal and, more typically, 12 volts nominal or 42 voltsnominal, to a reduced voltage. Should the voltage conversion elementconvert the battery/ignition voltage to a voltage that is greater thanthe operational voltage of the power light emitting diode, the circuitryused to power the power light emitting diode preferably also includes apower resistor. Alternately, the vehicle battery/ignition voltage may beapplied across a series connection of the power light emitting diode andpower resistor, such that the series power resistor dissipates, forexample, at least about 2.5 watts of power; and, more preferably, atleast about 3.0 watts of power; most preferably, at least about 3.5watts of power.

It should also be understood from the foregoing that the accessorymodule may comprise a light assembly, including a removable lightassembly, and further may be located at a mirror assembly, such as inthe mirror casing. In addition, the accessory module may include one ormore of the heat dissipation element, the power resistor, and/or thevoltage converter. Furthermore, when the accessory module includes theheat dissipation element, the heat dissipation element may comprise aheat sink/reflector for dissipating heat from the single high-intensitypower light emitting diode and for directing light from the singlehigh-intensity power light emitting diode.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing from the principles of the invention,which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent lawincluding the doctrine of equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle,said tow hitching aid system comprising: a camera mounted at a rearportion of a vehicle equipped with said tow hitching aid system andhaving a field of view at least rearward of the equipped vehicle, theequipped vehicle having a hitching ball at a rear portion of theequipped vehicle for connecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer;wherein the field of view of said camera encompasses the hitching ballof the equipped vehicle; a plurality of distance measuring sensorsdisposed at the equipped vehicle; said plurality of distance measuringsensors at least comprising a first distance measuring sensor disposedat the equipped vehicle at a first location and a second distancemeasuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a second location;wherein said second location is spaced from said first location; adisplay screen disposed in the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driverof the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating theequipped vehicle; a control, wherein said control receives input fromsaid camera and input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors;wherein said control, responsive to processing of input from saidplurality of distance measuring sensors, determines at least one of (i)distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer and (ii) orientationof the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer; wherein, during a towhitching maneuver where the equipped vehicle is reversed towards thehitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, andresponsive to input from said camera, said display screen displays videoimages captured by said camera as the equipped vehicle is reversingtowards the trailer so the driver can view the hitching ball of theequipped vehicle approaching the hitching receiver of the trailer; andwherein, during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, andresponsive to input from said camera and input from said plurality ofdistance measuring sensors, said control generates at least one graphicoverlay that is superimposed over the displayed video images to assistthe driver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ballof the equipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer. 2.The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, responsive at least inpart to input from at least one distance measuring sensor of saidplurality of distance measuring sensors and during the tow hitchingmaneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitchingreceiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said controldetermines distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.
 3. The towhitching aid system of claim 2, wherein said camera comprises a CMOSimager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensing pixels. 4.The tow hitching aid system of claim 3, wherein said display screencomprises a liquid crystal display screen that is backlit by a pluralityof white light emitting light emitting diodes.
 5. The tow hitching aidsystem of claim 4, wherein said display screen is operable to displayinformation for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle when theequipped vehicle is not undergoing a tow hitching maneuver.
 6. The towhitching aid system of claim 5, wherein said display screen is locatedin the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle at an instrument panel orfascia portion.
 7. The tow hitching aid system of claim 2, wherein,during the tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, said controlprovides, for display by said display screen, at least one graphicoverlay that indicates to the driver of the equipped vehicle distancefrom the equipped vehicle to the trailer.
 8. The tow hitching aid systemof claim 1, wherein, responsive at least in part to image processing byan image processor of images captured by said camera and during the towhitching maneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards thehitching receiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, saidcontrol determines orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to thetrailer.
 9. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1, wherein, during thetow hitching maneuver, said at least one graphic overlay comprisesindicia to assist the driver in aligning the hitching ball of theequipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.
 10. The towhitching aid system of claim 1, comprising auxiliary lighting at therear of the equipped vehicle, wherein said auxiliary lighting, whenoperated during the tow hitching maneuver, illuminates at least aportion of the field of view of said camera.
 11. The tow hitching aidsystem of claim 10, wherein said auxiliary lighting comprises a unitarylight module, said unitary light module comprising a housing having aninner surface forming a reflector and an outer surface having aplurality of heat dissipating fins, and wherein a single high-intensitypower light emitting diode is located inside said housing, and whereinsaid reflector at least one of directs and shapes light from said singlehigh-intensity power light emitting diode toward a light output area ofsaid housing, and wherein a lens covers said light output area of saidhousing, and wherein said lens at least one of directs and shapes lightfrom said single high-intensity power light emitting diode, and whereina voltage conversion element is provided, and wherein said voltageconversion element includes a DC step-down converter.
 12. The towhitching aid system of claim 1, wherein said display screen comprises atleast one of (i) a touch sensitive display screen and (ii) a voiceactivatable display screen.
 13. The tow hitching aid system of claim 1,wherein said display screen comprises a TFT LCD screen backlit by atleast four white light emitting light emitting diodes, and wherein saiddisplay screen is operable to produce a display intensity, as viewed bythe driver during the tow hitching maneuver, of greater than 200candelas/sq. meter.
 14. The tow hitching aid system of claim 13, whereinsaid first distance measuring sensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensorand wherein said second distance measuring sensor comprises a secondultrasonic sensor.
 15. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle, said towhitching aid system comprising: a camera mounted at a rear portion of avehicle equipped with said tow hitching aid system and having a field ofview at least rearward of the equipped vehicle, the equipped vehiclehaving a hitching ball at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle forconnecting to a hitching receiver of a trailer; wherein said cameracomprises a CMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array ofphotosensing pixels; wherein the field of view of said cameraencompasses the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle; a plurality ofdistance measuring sensors disposed at the equipped vehicle; saidplurality of distance measuring sensors at least comprising a firstdistance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a firstlocation and a second distance measuring sensor disposed at the equippedvehicle at a second location; wherein said second location is spacedfrom said first location; a display screen disposed in the equippedvehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driveris normally operating the equipped vehicle; wherein said display screenis located in the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle at aninstrument panel or fascia portion; a control, wherein said controlreceives input from said camera and input from said plurality ofdistance measuring sensors; wherein said control, responsive toprocessing of input from said plurality of distance measuring sensors,determines at least one of (i) distance from the equipped vehicle to thetrailer and (ii) orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to thetrailer; wherein, during a tow hitching maneuver where the equippedvehicle is reversed towards the hitching receiver of the trailer toestablish a hitch connection, and responsive to input from said camera,said display screen displays video images captured by said camera as theequipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer so the driver can viewthe hitching ball of the equipped vehicle approaching the hitchingreceiver of the trailer; and wherein, during the tow hitching maneuverof the equipped vehicle, and responsive to input from said camera andinput from said plurality of distance measuring sensors, said controlgenerates at least one graphic overlay that is superimposed over thedisplayed video images to assist the driver during the tow hitchingmaneuver to connect the hitching ball of the equipped vehicle with thehitching receiver of the trailer.
 16. The tow hitching aid system ofclaim 15, wherein, responsive at least in part to input from at leastone distance measuring sensor of said plurality of distance measuringsensors and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equipped vehicleis reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer to establish ahitch connection, said control determines distance from the equippedvehicle to the trailer.
 17. The tow hitching aid system of claim 16,wherein, responsive at least in part to image processing by an imageprocessor of images captured by said camera and during the tow hitchingmaneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitchingreceiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said controldetermines orientation of the equipped vehicle relative to the trailer.18. The tow hitching aid system of claim 15, wherein said display screencomprises a TFT LCD screen backlit by at least four white light emittinglight emitting diodes, and wherein said display screen is operable toproduce a display intensity, as viewed by the driver during the towhitching maneuver, of greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter.
 19. The towhitching aid system of claim 18, wherein said first distance measuringsensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and wherein said seconddistance measuring sensor comprises a second ultrasonic sensor.
 20. Thetow hitching aid system of claim 19, wherein, during the tow hitchingmaneuver of the equipped vehicle, said control provides, for display bysaid display screen, at least one graphic overlay that indicates to thedriver of the equipped vehicle distance from the equipped vehicle to thetrailer.
 21. A tow hitching aid system for a vehicle, said tow hitchingaid system comprising: a camera mounted at a rear portion of a vehicleequipped with said tow hitching aid system and having a field of view atleast rearward of the equipped vehicle, the equipped vehicle having ahitching ball at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle for connectingto a hitching receiver of a trailer; wherein said camera comprises aCMOS imager having a two dimensional imaging array of photosensingpixels; wherein the field of view of said camera encompasses thehitching ball of the equipped vehicle; a plurality of distance measuringsensors disposed at the equipped vehicle; said plurality of distancemeasuring sensors at least comprising a first distance measuring sensordisposed at the equipped vehicle at a first location and a seconddistance measuring sensor disposed at the equipped vehicle at a secondlocation; wherein at least one of said first and second distancemeasuring sensors comprises an ultrasonic sensor; wherein said secondlocation is spaced from said first location; a display screen disposedin the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehiclewhen the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle; a control,wherein said control receives input from said camera and input from saidplurality of distance measuring sensors; wherein said control,responsive to processing of input from said plurality of distancemeasuring sensors, determines at least one of (i) distance from theequipped vehicle to the trailer and (ii) orientation of the equippedvehicle relative to the trailer; wherein, during a tow hitching maneuverwhere the equipped vehicle is reversed towards the hitching receiver ofthe trailer to establish a hitch connection, and responsive to inputfrom said camera, said display screen displays video images captured bysaid camera as the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the trailer sothe driver can view the hitching ball of the equipped vehicleapproaching the hitching receiver of the trailer; and wherein, duringthe tow hitching maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive toinput from said camera and input from said plurality of distancemeasuring sensors, said control generates at least one graphic overlaythat is superimposed over the displayed video images to assist thedriver during the tow hitching maneuver to connect the hitching ball ofthe equipped vehicle with the hitching receiver of the trailer.
 22. Thetow hitching aid system of claim 21, wherein said first distancemeasuring sensor comprises a first ultrasonic sensor and wherein saidsecond distance measuring sensor comprises a second ultrasonic sensor.23. The tow hitching aid system of claim 22, wherein, responsive atleast in part to input from at least one distance measuring sensor ofsaid plurality of distance measuring sensors and during the tow hitchingmaneuver when the equipped vehicle is reversing towards the hitchingreceiver of the trailer to establish a hitch connection, said controldetermines distance from the equipped vehicle to the trailer.
 24. Thetow hitching aid system of claim 22, wherein, responsive at least inpart to image processing by an image processor of images captured bysaid camera and during the tow hitching maneuver when the equippedvehicle is reversing towards the hitching receiver of the trailer toestablish a hitch connection, said control determines orientation of theequipped vehicle relative to the trailer.
 25. The tow hitching aidsystem of claim 22, wherein said display screen comprises a TFT LCDscreen backlit by at least four white light emitting light emittingdiodes, and wherein said display screen is operable to produce a displayintensity, as viewed by the driver during the tow hitching maneuver, ofgreater than 200 candelas/sq. meter.